Endoscopic-assisted maxillectomy: our experience in tumours affecting the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus.

OBJECTIVE

To show our experience in performing endoscopic-assisted maxillectomy (EAM), with the aim of facilitating delineation of tumour resection and improve the achievement of free tumour resection margins.

METHODS

Patients undergoing EAM between 2021 and 2024 were reviewed. During the endoscopic approach, the medial and lateral plates of the pterygoid were drilled, taking as reference the superior margin of the inferior turbinate.

RESULTS

Six patients underwent an EAM surgery. The maxillectomy was completed with an external transfacial approach in four patients and with a transoral approach in two. No intraoperative complications were observed. Five patients had postoperative flap dehiscence; two cases healed spontaneously and three cases required surgery.

CONCLUSION

EAM allows delimitation of the posterior limit of tumour resection in total or subtotal maxillectomies. This endoscopic approach facilitates the drilling of the pterygoid process to complete the posterior osteotomy, which is a complex manoeuvre during the exclusive external approach.