J Rhinol.  2010 Nov;17(2):87-91.

Role of the "Mini" Caldwell-Luc Operation for Treatment of Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis

• Oh YS
• Kim YH
• Yang TY
• Lee SJ
• Kim BJ
• Jang TY

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The aims of the study were to reintroduce a surgical technique for a "mini" Caldwell-Luc operation and to determine its efficacy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study was performed in 23 patients undergoing the "mini" Caldwell-Luc operation. Improvements in clinical symptoms and endoscopic and computed tomographic (CT) findings were evaluated postoperatively over a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 21 months. All patients were surveyed for nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, posterior nasal drip, headache, and anosmia), complications (tooth or gum pain, numbness, persistent facial pain, and facial hypo-paresthesia), and recurrence. Preoperative nasal polyps were classified by the Gaskins method, and preoperative paranasal sinusitis was graded according to the Kennedy CT staging system.
RESULTS
Symptom scores were all significantly reduced postoperatively (paired t-test, p<0.05). There were no major complications specific to this technique. Among 29 maxillary sinuses that received the "mini" Caldwell-Luc operation, seven showed recurrence (24%).
CONCLUSION
The "mini" Caldwell-Luc operation provides an alternative method of obtaining access to the maxillary antrum and is associated with minimal morbidity.

Keyword

Caldwell-Luc operation; Chronic maxillary sinusitis; Endoscopic sinus surgery

MeSH Terms

Facial Pain
Follow-Up Studies
Gingiva
Headache
Humans
Hypesthesia
Maxillary Sinus
Maxillary Sinusitis
Nasal Polyps
Prospective Studies
Recurrence
Sinusitis