A clinical and anatomical study of the various techniques of irrigation of the maxillary sinus.

Irrigation of the maxillary sinus is a common procedure in clinical practice for removing the contents of the antrum for either diagnosis or therapy. For many years, it has been accomplished by inserting a trocar in either the natural ostium or the medial wall of the sinus under the inferior turbinate. Recently, the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus has been re-introduced as a better route. It is more direct and is the only one suited for use in a child whose sinus is underdeveloped. The anterior route has been termed the canine fossa technique and is the preferred route since it has a high degree of patient acceptance and safety and can be done easily and quickly by the clinician through a familiar anatomical pathway.