Transconjunctival incision for total maxillectomy--an alternative for subciliary incision

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Subciliary incisions during total maxillectomy can lead to lower eyelid complications.
• The transconjunctival incision presents a viable alternative for specific patient cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the transconjunctival incision in total maxillectomy.
• To compare the complication profile and cosmetic outcomes of transconjunctival versus subciliary incisions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 17 patients undergoing total maxillectomy.
• Analysis of data from patients who had either a transconjunctival (n=17) or Weber-Ferguson/sublabial (n=13/4) incision.

Main Results:

• Mild conjunctival edema (all patients) and lid edema (4 patients) resolved within two days.
• One patient experienced mild ectropion with transient epiphora due to premature suture removal.
• The transconjunctival approach yielded acceptable cosmetic results, avoiding subciliary scars.

Conclusions:

• The transconjunctival incision is a safe and cosmetically superior alternative to the subciliary incision for lateral exposure in total maxillectomy.
• Combining the transconjunctival with a sublabial incision can result in a virtually scar-free maxillectomy.