Three‐hundred and sixty degrees of surgical approaches to the maxillary sinus

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To demonstrate three‐hundred and sixty degrees of maxillary sinus (MS) surgical approaches using cadaveric dissections, highlighting the step‐by‐step anatomy of each procedure. Methods Two latex‐injected cadaveric specimens were utilized to perform surgical dissections to demonstrate different approaches to the MS. The procedures were documented with macroscopic images and endoscopic pictures. Results Dissections were performed to approach the MS medially (endoscopic maxillary antrostomy and ethmoidectomy), anteriorly (Caldwell–Luc), superiorly (transconjunctival/transorbital approach), inferiorly (transpalatal approach), and posterolaterally (preauricular hemicoronal approach). Conclusion A number of approaches have been described to address pathology in the MS. Surgeons should be familiar with indications, limitations, and surgical anatomy from different perspectives to approach the MS. This paper illustrates anatomic approaches to the MS with detailed step‐by‐step cadaveric dissections and case examples.

Keywords

• anatomy
• Caldwell–Luc
• dissection
• endoscopic sinus surgery
• infratemporal fossa
• maxillary sinus