A Retrospective CT Analysis for Prelacrimal Window Access to Maxillary Sinus

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
• Anatomical Studies

Background:

• The prelacrimal window approach (PLWA) is effective for anterior maxillary sinus lesions.
• Previous studies show higher PLWA feasibility in Chinese (93.0%) versus European (68.5%) populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare PLWA ease between Korean patients with maxillary sinus lesions and healthy controls.
• Analyze Korean PLWA results against previous Chinese and European data.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 89 paranasal CT scans (51 controls, 38 patients).
• Measured distance (D1) between maxillary sinus and lacrimal duct anterior walls and wall thickness (T).
• Compared measurements between patient and control groups.

Main Results:

• Koreans showed 92.2% PLWA feasibility, aligning with Chinese data.
• Patient group had significantly greater anterior wall thickness (T) than controls.
• Distance measures (D1, D2) were similar between patient and control groups.

Conclusions:

• PLWA is highly feasible in Koreans, comparable to Chinese populations.
• Maxillary sinus lesion presence does not significantly alter key anatomical distances for PLWA.
• Anterior wall thickness is a distinguishing factor between patients and controls.