Endoscopic surgery of the maxillary sinuses in oral and maxillofacial surgery practice: a literature review

Recently, a number of studies reported results of endoscopic surgery for treatment of odontogenic diseases of the maxillary sinuses and for sinus augmentation procedures. Therefore, the aim of this article was to review the literature data and to evaluate the level of current scientific evidence on this issue. Four retrospective and one prospective studies regarding functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for odontogenic sinusitis were identified. Also, several case series of endoscope – assisted removal of odontogenic cysts and tumors involving the maxillary sinus were published. Finally, five studies regarding endoscope –controlled sinus augmentation procedures were analyzed. From available literature it seems that FESS for treatment of odontogenic sinusitis is a safe and predictable treatment option. Although scientific evidence is low, this is a clinically well documented procedure with low incidence of complications. In contrast to this, endoscopic surgery for odontogenic cysts and tumors is documented only in limited case series reports. Regarding treatment of implant – related complications, endoscopic surgery has a potential to provide effective treatment of those cases. On the other hand, endoscopic sinus augmentation needs scientific evidence of superiority to conventional techniques before it can be introduced into clinical practice.