Sinus lift access in partial maxillectomies

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Maxillectomies, particularly partial ones, frequently lead to anatomical defects.
• Oronasal or oral-antral fistulas are significant complications, necessitating secondary reconstructive procedures with local or regional flaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a surgical technique for limited maxillectomies that preserves nasal and sinus mucosa.
• To evaluate the prevention of fistulas and the feasibility of using flaps with a high fistula risk.

Main Methods:

• A technique involving limited maxillectomies was performed on 8 patients.
• The procedure focused on preserving the integrity of the nasal and sinus mucosa.
• Bone reconstruction using grafts was employed in 2 patients.

Main Results:

• The described technique successfully prevented the formation of oronasal or oral-antral fistulas in all patients.
• This preservation allowed for the successful use of flaps that typically carry a high risk of fistula formation.
• Bone reconstruction was successfully performed in 2 cases.

Conclusions:

• Sparing the sinus and nasal mucosa during maxillectomy is a straightforward and safe surgical approach.
• This method effectively prevents common complications like fistulas, simplifying patient recovery.
• The technique is recommended for selected maxillectomy cases to improve outcomes.