[Lower antrostomy in surgery of the maxillary sinus: experimental study]

Inferior nasoantral windows, with or without radical surgical removal of the maxillary sinus mucosa, were evaluated in 15 New Zealand white rabbits. After three months, specimens were obtained for examination. Bacteriological cultures and light and electron microscopic studies were made. Mucociliary clearance was studied. Differences were found in the antrostomy patency rate between radical antrostomy and inferior nasoantral windows. After three months, the creation of a temporary inferior nasoantral window did not change the maxillary sinus mucosa and did not increase the rate of sinus infections in rabbits.