Evaluation and treatment of antrochoanal polyps.
OBJECTIVE
Antrochoanal polyp (ACP) is a benign maxillary sinus polyp that originates from the mucosa of the maxillary sinus, passes through a sinus ostium, and extends into the choana. The common presentation of ACP is unilateral nasal obstruction. The radiographic findings and differential diagnosis of ACPs are discussed by comparing them with data in the literature.


METHODS
This study included 19 (14 male, 5 female; median age 24.5 years, range 8-75 years) surgically treated patients with ACPs diagnosed by clinical examination, nasal endoscopy, and computed tomography.


RESULTS
Nasal obstruction was found in all cases. Endoscopic sinus surgery was preferred for removal of the nasal part of ACPs in 13 cases. Only in one case, polypectomy combined with Caldwell-Luc operation and septoplasty was performed. The observed complications were as follows: minor hemorrhage in three cases, mild cheek swelling with pain in two patients, and infraorbital hypoesthesia in one case. Histopathologic examination of ACPs revealed loose mucoid stroma and mucous glands, which were covered by respiratory epithelium.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic sinus surgery may be indicated in patients with ACPs because the function and capacity of the maxillary antrum are preserved. The greater portion of the antral part of polyp can be removed while leaving the healthy antral mucosa intact.
Yuca
Köksal
K
Department of Otorhinolarynogology, Yüzüncü Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, 65200 Van, Turkey. koksalyuca@yahoo.com
Bayram
Irfan
I
Kiroğlu
A Faruk
AF
Etlik
Omer
O
Cankaya
Hakan
H
Sakin
Feyat
F
Kiriş
Muzaffer
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome