Use of a polytene tube for irrigation of the maxillary sinus

As a result of new knowledge on the proteolytic activity of the damaged sinus mucosa discharge, the multiple puncture and irrigation for acute or exacerbated chronic maxillary sinusitis is recently much more recommended. The author used a polytene tube, inserting it through a standard puncture needle into the maxillary sinus in 81 patients. Further irrigations and direct applications of the appropriate drugs into the sinus were possible without repeated puncture procedures. The method, thus, is very suitable causing no discomfort to the patient, as the tube is invisible and biologically inert in relation to the nose and sinus mucosa. This method avoids the repetition of further punctures. No significant complications were observed.