Surgery: What to Expect – Maxillary Antrostomy

An ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) specialises in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. This is the medical professional who performs a maxillary antrostomy. You and your doctor will decide if this procedure is the best surgical treatment for your chronic sinus infection.

Before Surgery

You'll meet with your healthcare team before the operation, and they'll answer any questions you may have. The anaesthetist will ask about your medical history and develop an anaesthetic plan. He or she will discuss the plan with you and answer your questions.

During Surgery

A maxillary antrostomy is usually done under general anaesthetic. It typically lasts from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your condition.

During surgery, the ENT surgeon passes a narrow tube called an endoscope into your nose. This tube has a tiny camera and a light at the end of it, so the surgeon has an excellent view of your maxillary sinus, the opening to the maxillary sinus, and the area of the nose where it drains (the osteomeatal complex). Then small surgical instruments are passed to the site of the problem through another thin tube.

Using these instruments, your ENT doctor removes the blockage in your maxillary sinuses. This helps the fluid in your maxillary sinuses drain more efficiently and should reduce your chances of getting sinus infections in the future.

After Surgery

Immediately after surgery, you'll be in a recovery room and monitored for about an hour or so. This is to make sure there are no complications. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to stay in hospital.

Before you leave the hospital, you'll get important instructions on how to care for your nose and sinuses while they heal, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Your doctor may also give you several prescriptions, including one for pain medication, in case you need it.

If you have any questions or concerns before and after surgery, be sure to ask your doctor.

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