Objective: To improve the operative technique of endoscopic middle metal antrostomy.
Methods: One hundred and thirty-five patients with chronic sinusitis were divided into two groups(first stage and second stage groups). All of them had been followed up for more than 6 months.
Results: Middle metal antrostomy was performed for 79 patients (158 sides) in the first group. The diameter of middle meatal window ranged from 1.0 cm (anterior-posterior diameter) to 1.5 cm(superior-inferior diameter). Improved middle meatal antrostomy was performed for 56 patients (112 sides) in the second group. The anterior-posterior diameter of the middle meatal window was over 1.0 cm, and superior-inferior diameter was over 1.5 cm. In the first group, the patency rate in the first stage was 78.48% (124/158), and satisfactory patency rate was 43.0% (68/158). The patency rate was 85.4% (135/158), and satisfactory patency rate was 45.0%(71/158). In the second group, the patency rate was 92.9%(104/112) in the first stage, and 94.6%(106/112) in the second stage. The satisfactory patency rate in both stages was 79.5%(89/112). There was significant difference between two groups(P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The patency rate and satisfactory patency rate of middle meatal antrostomy are increased by improved technique.