Whilst endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) has good results as the standard treatment option for tumours arising in the maxillary sinus, postoperative problems of crusting, epiphora and paraesthesia are not uncommon. This paper looks at modified EMM aimed at sparing the lacrimal pathway and the inferior turbinate, using computational fluid dynamics. This model uses a direct numerical simulation approach to the flow dynamics which theoretically provides a more accurate estimation of airflow and volume. The paper compares a standard EMM with a modified approach which preserves the anterior portion of the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct. This model confirms that the flow dynamics in the preservation model are superior to the airflow in the standard EMM model, and are much more similar to the ‘normal’ side. This is a preliminary study and cannot necessarily be generalised across the board of all cases, but it certainly adds some support to a preservation technique in maxillary sinus surgery, particularly if the underlying pathology is benign.
Potential benefits of turbinate sparing medial maxillectomy
Top Of Page
Accreditations
Pinpoint Scotland Ltd (Registered in Scotland No. SC068684) | © 2024 - Website by Gecko Agency