A prelacrimal approach technique to overcome the limitation of the narrow lacrimal recess

• DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06472-z
• Publication Date: 2020-11-13T17:02:46Z
• Authors: Luan Viet Tran; Alkis Psaltis; Lam Thanh Le; Jin Keat Siow
• Keywords: Inverted Papilloma; Nasolacrimal duct; Lacrimal duct; Lacrimal sac

The distance between the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the nasolacrimal duct has been classified into three types by Simmen, in which type I (< 3 mm) is the least feasible for a prelacrimal approach. The aim of our study is to present a surgical technique which overcomes the anatomical limitation of the narrow lacrimal recess (type I) in the management of inverted papilloma in the maxillary sinus.Case series.Eight patients with type I lacrimal recess underwent surgical resection for inverted papilloma in the maxillary sinus via a prelacrimal approach. The technique is described in detail in the article and essentially involves exposure of the nasolacrimal duct using a diamond burr. Complete tumor excision was achieved in all cases through this access, with no significant intra-operative complications.This prelacrimal approach technique is safe and effective for the management of inverted papilloma in maxillary sinuses with a type I lacrimal recess configuration.