Caldwell-Luc operation without inferior meatal antrostomy: a retrospective study of 50 cases.

PURPOSE In the standard Caldwell-Luc operation, an inferior meatal antrostomy is performed to promote sinus drainage. However, inferior meatal antrostomy has been criticized for its additional operation time and wound, early loss of the opening, and risk of injury to the nasolacrimal duct. This study retrospectively reviewed the results of the Caldwell-Luc operation without inferior meatal antrostomy in the treatment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis or odontogenic sinus disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS The records of 50 patients who had an odontogenic sinus disease and underwent the Caldwell-Luc operation without inferior meatal antrostomy were reviewed. The data included the patient's age, gender, surgical indications, surgical condition, and complications. RESULTS From April 2004 to October 2010, there were 27 male patients and 23 female patients aged 14 to 70 years (mean, 37 years) who underwent the modified Caldwell-Luc operation. The surgical indications included intrasinus odontogenic cysts (44%), oroantral fistulae with chronic sinusitis (44%), odontoma (4%), odontogenic sinusitis (4%), and foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus (4%). The patients were successfully treated with minimal complications. CONCLUSIONS The modified Caldwell-Luc operation provides easier postoperative care and involves fewer complications. It is not necessary to create the inferior meatal antrostomy in the Caldwell-Luc operation when treating odontogenic sinus disease.