Reversible Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy: Endonasal Approach to Diseases of the Maxillary Sinus

Minimally Anterior Medial Maxillary Approach (MAMMA): a novel technique for a wide access to the maxillary sinus

PURPOSE

To describe a novel endoscopic technique to approach the maxillary sinus (MS), the Modified Anterior Medial Maxillary Approach (MAMMA), preserving the inferior turbinate (IT) and the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). To perform radiological measurements and describe a case series to study the feasibility and limits of MAMMA.

METHODS

Computed tomography (CT) scans (n = 150 nasal cavities) were used to calculate areas of the MAMMA to define surgical limits and extensions. Measurement of distances to critical anatomy landmarks and total area for the MAMMA were calculated. An instructional case illustrating the surgical technique and outcome was also included.

RESULTS

Radiological analysis showed a mean distance from the Piriform Aperture (PA) to the anterior limit of the NLD of 1.03 ± 0.18 cm (range 0.59-1.48) and a mean distance from de PA to the posterior limit of the NLD of 1.57 ± 0.22 cm (range 1.02-2.11). The mean distance from the nasal floor to the Hasner's valve was 1.61 ± 0.27 cm (range 1.06-2.52) and the distance from the nasal floor to the insertion of the IT was 2.20 ± 0.36 cm (range 1.70-3.69). Finally, the mean total area for the MAMMA was 4.04 ± 0.52 cm2 (range 3.17-5.53). No complications or recurrence of the pathology were observed in operated patients.

CONCLUSION

The MAMMA provides a wide surgical field of the MS walls comparable to more aggressive techniques, with preservation of the sinonasal and lacrimal function. MAMMA is an effective alternative to treat different MS pathologies including benign recurrent maxillary sinus tumors.

Transnasal endoscopy-guided percutaneous access to the sphenopalatine ganglion for neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headache: operative technique and feasibility

OBJECTIVES

Cluster headache is considered a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and may present with characteristic symptoms of sympathetic/parasympathetic activation on the affected side of the face, such as nasal discharge, tearing, and conjunctival injection. Invasive therapies targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion have been performed in these headache syndromes and can have a medication-sparing effect, especially in refractory, difficult-to-manage cases. The gate control theory of pain suggests that electric pulses delivered to nerve tissues can modulate neuronal activity, thus aiding in management of nociceptive or neuropathic pain, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion neurostimulation. Within this context, we sought to assess the feasibility of a new surgical technique for neurostimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in a cadaver dissection model.

METHODS

The technique was developed through dissection of two cadaver heads. We divided the procedure into two stages: an endonasal endoscopic approach to expose the sphenopalatine ganglion and confirm electrode placement, and a cervicofacial approach to introduce the electrode array and position the internal pulse-generator unit. Computed tomography was performed to confirm implant placement at the end of the procedure.

RESULTS

The pulse-generator unit was successfully placed through a retroauricular incision, as is already standard for cochlear implant placement. This should reduce the incidence of perioperative sequelae, especially pain and swelling in the oral region, which are a common complication of previous approaches used for this purpose. Control imaging confirmed proper electrode placement. The device used in this study allows the patient to modulate the intensity of the stimulus, reducing or even obviating the need for drug therapy.

CONCLUSION

The novel technique described herein, based on percutaneous access guided by transmaxillary endoscopy, can provide great precision in electrode array positioning and decreased perioperative morbidity, combining the advantages of endoscopic approaches with those of the retroauricular route.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Surgical treatment of sinonasal inverted papilloma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight how surgery of inverted papilloma has developed during the past year. Moreover, to give our own opinion on the state of research regarding inverted papilloma surgical management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies covering surgical treatment of inverted papilloma concentrated on the optimum surgical management aiming at complete resection, least morbidity and best outcome, with special interest regarding the maxillary and frontal sinuses. In maxillary sinus inverted papilloma, to avoid empty nose and/or epiphora, recent articles exerted all attempts to preserve the integrity of both the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct, yet offer best exposure of all maxillary sinus walls specially the anterior and inferior ones. These included the new modifications of the prelacrimal and Denker approaches and lateral nasal wall transposition. In frontal sinus inverted papilloma, to avoid an external approach and insure postoperative patency of frontal sinus ostium, the periorbital suspension was introduced and orbital transposition approach was comprehensively utilized especially in far lateral located lesions and/or in supraorbital recess involvement. Associated malignancy is an important issue to identify as management plans significantly differ. Recurrence occurs early within the first 2 years but long-term follow-up is mandatory.

SUMMARY

Surgical procedures of sinonasal inverted papilloma are planned according to origin rather than the tumor extent. Origin targeted surgery and proper management of the site of attachment are the key to achieve complete surgical resection of sinonasal inverted papilloma. Recent trends advise the least destructive surgical techniques that offer best exposure, complete excision SNIP and least recurrence.

Endoscopic maxillectomy: anatomo-radiological description of the "double" maxillary sinus window

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To present a modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy (MEMM) approach to control maxillary sinus pathologies.

METHODS

MEMM was completed in 13 fresh-frozen specimens. An MEMM includes cutting the nasolacrimal duct, inferior meatus flap, and repositioning the inferior turbinate (IT). The following measurements were obtained: length of IT, height from the nasal floor to valve of Hasner, height of the IT at the level of valve of Hasner, height of the IT at the insertion of the middle turbinate, and distance from the piriform aperture to the posterior wall of maxillary sinus and to the posterior border of palatine bone. Similar measurements were also performed on craniofacial computed tomography (CT) scans (n = 50). The surgical technique was performed in a case series (n = 8).

RESULTS

The mean of the specimens was 82 (range 70-95) years old. The average area of the harvested inferior meatus flap area was 9.6 ± 1.0 cm². In the radiologic study, the mean maximum antrostomy area was 8.8 ± 1.7 cm² and the IT area overlapping the antral window was 5.8 ± 1.1 cm², the area allowing a double window control was 3.1 ± 1.9 cm², the posterior IT insertion length was 0.7 ± 0.4 cm, and the inferior meatus flap covering the inferior meatotomy had an area measuring 6.7 ± 1.7 cm². Eight patients underwent MEMM for various benign conditions showing no recurrence after 26 month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The proposed modifications of MEMM provide a "double" window maxillary sinus control with access to all maxillary walls and preservation of the IT.

The role of endoscopic medial maxillectomy in sinus disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) has remained a relevant procedure for certain sinus diseases and at the same time reemerged as a salvage technique or even as a primary procedure for other diseases. Several mucosal-sparing techniques have also been described and the outcome of the surgeries is available for review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Modifications of the EMM technique in the last two decades, aimed at mucosal preservation of the inferior turbinate, nasolacrimal duct, and medial maxillary wall have been successful in addressing a multitude of diseases. There are also evidences to support adjunct procedures/methods to improve access, healing, and to address associated dysfunction such as impaired mucociliary clearance. Tailored approaches have shown favourable outcomes with a low rate of adverse effects.

SUMMARY

The EMM is appropriate for selected indications, in particular lesions causing medial wall destruction or extensive tumour involving the anterior wall or the prelacrimal recess. As for other maxillary sinus diseases including those identified to a limited site, a modified EMM is a reasonable consideration. The choice is appropriate provided instrument access, visualization, the ability for complete resection, postoperative care, and the requirement for surveillance is not compromised. A tailored approach with or without adjunct procedures is recommended.