The Relationship Between Ostial Patency and Medical Treatment in Acute Maxillary Sinusitis: an Experimental Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between ostial patency and medical treatment in an experimental model of acute maxillary sinusitis. DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to two groups. The left maxillary sinus ostia were filled with absorbable gelatin sponge in one group (n=20). In the other group, half of the ostuim was blocked by bone particles and tissue adhesive (Histoacryl). Following induction of acute maxillary sinusitis, each group was divided into four subgroups, one of which was left untreated. The other subgroups received systemic antibiotic therapy plus topical administration of physiological saline solution, a decongestant, and a steroid, respectively, for 10 days. All rabbits were monitored for four weeks. Each week nasal smear samples were obtained for neutrophil and leucocyte counts. In the end, maxillary sinus biopsies were obtained to determine the extent of healing. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between subgroups having the same ostium patency. However, compared to the subgroups with patent ostia, corresponding subgroups with semi-patent ostia exhibited significantly increased nasal smear and nasal biopsy scores starting from the second week. CONCLUSION: The degree of ostial patency seems to have a significant role in the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis.