Submucosal glands and goblet cells in maxillary sinus surgery: an experimental study in rabbits

After sinus surgery poor ciliary activity and disorders in mucus production can lead to an increase in postoperative complications.

To evaluate the changes in the ultrastructure of submucosal glands (SG) and goblet cells (GC) after partial or wide surgical removal of maxillary sinus mucosa (MSM).

Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were divided in two groups of 10 animals. In group A, the mucosa of the right maxillary sinus (MS) was removed. In contrast, in group B only a strip the mucosa around the ostium was removed. After three months the sinus were opened and the mucosa studied by light-, and scanning- and transmision electron microscopy.

After three months in group A all right MS were infected with purulent secretions, and the density of SG with a mean value of 10.4 per mm, standard deviation (SD) 3.36 and GC 81.81 per mm (SD: 3.82). However, in group B the SG were 52.3 per mm (SD: 4.5) and GC 4.45 per mm (SD: 1.23). These results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Histopathological findings showed in group A, after three months, SG with a fewer number of microvilli in the glandular lumen.