[The effect of ostioplasty and nasoantral window opening on mucociliary activity in the maxillary sinus: an experimental study in the rabbit].

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the effects of ostioplasty and nasoantral window opening techniques employed in endoscopic surgery procedures for maxillary sinuses on mucociliary activity in rabbits.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 15 adult male New Zealand white rabbits (mean weight 3.5 kg). The animals were divided into three groups equal in number. Following a vertical incision in the midline, one group underwent ostioplasty to widen the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus; a new nasoantral window was opened in another group; the other group (controls) underwent only sinus exploration. Thirty days after surgery, mucociliary activity of the maxillary sinuses was evaluated scintigraphically.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, mucociliary activity decreased significantly in both groups, showing a higher deterioration with the nasoantral window opening technique (p<0.001) than that with the ostioplasty technique (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Since both techniques have adverse effects on the mucociliary activity of the maxillary sinuses, ostioplasty and nasoantral window opening techniques should be reserved for patients in whom they are uniquely required.