[Therapeutic approach in chronic maxillary sinusitis. Apropos of 469 patients and 640 sinuses].

Between 1982 and 1987 we treated 469 patients who accounted for a total of 640 involved sinuses. These patients suffered from various stages of chronic sinusitis. Endoscopy of the maxillary sinuses enabled us to collect important information regarding the state of the mucosa and secretions, to collect bacteriological samples and to inspect the ostium and take pressure measurements. There was an 80% success rate in cases of sinusitis treated by drainage. In our opinion the indication for inferior meatotomy is as an extraction procedure and is not of value for aeration drainages. Nevertheless, out of a total of 141 inferior meatotomies performed, 80% remained patent after a mean follow up period of 3 years.