The incidence of complications after canine fossa puncture performed during endoscopic sinus surgery.
BACKGROUND
Patients with extensive disease affecting the maxillary sinus may require a canine fossa approach for complete removal of disease. This study was designed to determine the complications associated with this procedure.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective study of 21 patients who had undergone a canine fossa puncture at an academic hospital complex in Adelaide, Australia.


RESULTS
A total of 37 canine fossa punctures were made in 21 patients. Twenty-eight of the 37 (75.7%) sides in which a canine fossa puncture was performed experienced a complication. The most common complaint was of cheek swelling in 14 (38%) followed by facial pain in 12 (32%), facial numbness in 11 (30%), cheek pain in 10 (27%), dental numbness in 10 (27%), gingival complications in 9 (24%), and facial tingling in 6 (16%) of sides. Most complications (75.5%) resolved within the 1st month after surgery. Six patients (28.6%) had persistent complications with facial tingling in 3 patients (50%) followed by facial numbness and tingling in 1 patient (11%), facial numbness alone in 1 patient (8.3%), and facial pain in 1 patient (7.1%).


CONCLUSIONS
Canine fossa antrostomy is a technique that provides additional access to the maxillary sinus. Surgeons need to be aware that, although minor, a significant number of patients will experience both transient and long-term complications.
Robinson
Simon R
SR
Department of Surgery-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Adelaide and Flinders Universities, South Australia, Australia.
Baird
Robert
R
Le
Tong
T
Wormald
Peter John
PJ
D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000601:surgery*; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011677:Punctures; D012189:Retrospective Studies