Effect of maxillary sinus packing with epinephrine hydrochloride-soaked cotton pledgets on complications after canine fossa puncture.

CONCLUSION: Bleeding control with epinephrine hydrochloride-soaked cotton packing in the maxillary sinus after canine fossa puncture (CFP) during operation is a simple method for reducing complications, especially those associated with blood leakage from the maxillary sinus into the subcutaneous tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Although CFP is a useful method for extensive maxillary sinus disease, complications can occur associated with nerve injuries or mucosal bleeding. We evaluated whether maxillary sinus packing with epinephrine hydrochloride-soaked cotton pledgets would reduce complications after CFP.

METHODS: Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to groups 1 (packing) and 2 (no packing). Patients underwent unilateral or bilateral CFP. We compared the disease entities, complication incidence, and average symptom duration between the groups.

RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were included. Group 1 underwent 36 CFPs, and complications occurred in 20 sides of 17 patients. Group 2 had 39 CFPs, and 20 patients experienced complications in 26 sides. The total number of complications was 40 and 73 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Incidence or duration of facial, dental, or gum numbness did not differ between groups. Tingling sensation, facial pain, facial swelling, and bruising showed significantly lower occurrence rates and shorter duration in group 1.