Antrostomia

Antrostomia is a surgical procedure to create an opening into the antrum, which is the largest of the paranasal sinuses, also known as the maxillary sinus. This procedure is typically performed to drain accumulated pus or mucus from the sinus, a condition often resulting from chronic sinusitis or a severe sinus infection. The goal of antrostomia is to improve sinus drainage and ventilation, thereby alleviating symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, and post-nasal drip.

Historically, antrostomia was often performed via external approaches, such as through the canine fossa of the maxilla. However, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are now more common. These endoscopic antrostomies involve the insertion of a small camera and specialized instruments through the nostril to access and create the opening in the sinus. This approach offers advantages like reduced scarring, quicker recovery times, and a lower risk of complications compared to external methods.

The decision to perform an antrostomia is usually made after conservative treatments, such as antibiotics and nasal sprays, have failed to resolve the sinusitis. Imaging studies like CT scans are often used to assess the extent of the sinus disease and plan the surgical approach. Recovery from an antrostomia generally involves some degree of discomfort and nasal packing, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks.