Tubes System Used for Suction and Irrigation of the Maxillary Sinuses in Cases of Chronic Sinusitis

Idea: This system of continuous lavage accomplishes the complete cleaning of pathologic tissue of the maxillary sinus in recurrent sinus infections. It is used in postoperative treatment of classic or endoscopic surgery of the maxillary sinus.

Method: This device is composed of three tubes with different functions: cleaning, suction, and inflation of the cuff. Under local anesthesia, the maxillary sinus is punctured through its inner wall. The fenestration or antrostomy that is made is widened by special forceps to 1.5 cm. Then we place the tube system within the cavity of the maxillary sinus and secure it by inflating the cuff. Once it is secured, we can start the lavage with normal saline solution, iodine, povidone, and corticosteroids. In cases of persistent infection, this device can remain within the sinus for a longer period of time in order to achieve a complete eradication of the disease.

Results: With this technique we achieved very good results, especially with mucosal lesions that were not irreversible. This method can also be used periodically in cases of chronic infection of the mucosa of the maxillary sinus, with very satisfactory results.

Conclusions: This is a very significant method which, although it does not eliminate classical or endoscopic surgery, can be combined with surgery to achieve very good results. The presence of the antrostomy allows patients to apply this method very easily and periodically under only local anesthesia.