End Results of External Operations on the Maxillary Sinus

Abstract

It is generally agreed that ideal surgical intervention consists of the adequate removal of a diseased focus with the least possible trauma to adjacent structures and with a minimum sacrifice of vital functioning tissue. It follows, therefore, that the more radical the procedure necessary for the accomplishment of the first objective the more difficult it becomes to attain the other two. Having these facts in mind one can realize how important it is to appraise the situation thoroughly in a given case before resorting to so-called radical surgical intervention.Applying this logic specifically to the maxillary sinus and with a full realization of its implications, I have no hesitancy in stating that the Caldwell-Luc operation is the most satisfactory surgical procedure about the nasal accessory sinuses and the one which should yield the highest percentage of good results in conformity with the principles set forth at the beginning of this paper. This statement is based on the following facts : First, the technic is simple and easily carried out ; second, the entire sinus is open to inspection, so that there can be no excuse for over¬ looking any pathologic tissue ; third, complications and sequelae are rare, and, fourth, nasal function is in no way impaired.