The four pairs of sinuses located around the nose are actually air-filled cavities, with the two maxillary sinuses, located behind the cheeks, being the largest.
Each sinus has a drainage opening which can become clogged and lead to a feeling of congestion and sinus disease. Caldwell Luc surgery is used to treat chronic or recurrent diseases of the maxillary sinuses.
When should Caldwell Luc surgery be performed?
Various respiratory disorders can involve the sinuses, including chronic sinusitis, polyps or benign tumors. These disorders can even lead to a feeling of congestion in the nose or a real blockage.
On occasion, some of these disorders either do not lead to a significant quality of life problem, or its symptoms improve as a result of medication, but in some cases a surgical solution is necessary. Various otolaryngological surgeries are used to treat sinus diseases, among other things depending on the involved sinuses.
Caldwell Luc surgery is used to treat diseases of the maxillary sinuses.
The course of the surgery
Caldwell luc is performed with a direct or endoscopic approach - with the help of a tiny camera (endoscope) that allows the surgeon to look at the sinus cavity through a minimal incision.
In both approaches the incision is made in the upper gums, inside the oral cavity, so that no external incisions are made at all.
This approach allows the surgeon to view the entire sinus cavity. Thus structural disorders or diseases involving the maxillary sinus lining, such as polyps, can be detected. With tiny tools you can remove some of the diseased tissue or excise the polyps.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about 45 minutes.
Preparation before surgery
An evaluation by an ENT doctor before surgery will allow the planning of the appropriate approach to the treatment of sinus disease. In addition, a preliminary evaluation by an anesthesiologist must be performed. It is mandatory to be on a full food fast according to staff guidelines.
Recovery after Caldwell luc
Patients can usually be discharged home on the day of surgery, but it is recommended to maintain rest in the first week after procedure. There may be pain and swelling in the sinus area - these may be relieved with local cooling with ice or painkillers as needed.
Rinsing of nose according to your doctor's instructions, as well as avoidance of strong nose blowing. Try to avoid other strong stimuli, in addition to avoiding hard solid foods which may hurt the incision in the gums.
Possible complications
The most common complication after Caldwell luc surgery is recurrent epithelial blockage, which occurs in up to 28% of patients. There may be complications related to the surgical incision such as bleeding, infection or opening of the sutures.
Rarely there may be a feeling of ant crawling or chronic pain in the facial area due to nerve damage, which may improve after a few months.
Other rare complications include the formation of a direct connection between the sinus cavity and the mouth (uro-enteral fistula), inflammation of the tear sac (dacryocystitis), or damage to the teeth.
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