Mucosal regeneration of the maxillary sinus after surgery.

The postsurgical effects of the removal of the maxillary sinus mucosa were studied in an animal model. Ten rabbits underwent Caldwell-Luc procedures with the removal of all the maxillary sinus mucosa from one sinus, while the other sinus in each animal was used as a control. After allowing time for postsurgical healing, animals were examined for mucociliary transport and sections for histologic examination were obtained. Respiratory ciliated epithelium was present in seven of the postsurgical sinuses. Marked increases in acute and chronic inflammation, granulation, fibrosis, and ulcerations were noted.