Maxillary antrostomy is a type of endoscopic sinus surgery used to improve drainage from the maxillary sinuses, the air‑filled cavities in the cheek area that are among the most commonly affected in sinus infections. When medications are no longer enough to control chronic sinus problems, carefully planned surgery can help open blocked passages and reduce long‑term symptoms. 

At Sinusitis In Seattle, Dr. David Santos offers advanced sinus surgery, including maxillary antrostomy, for patients from Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and the wider Puget Sound region.

Understanding the Maxillary Sinuses and Chronic Sinusitis

The sinuses are hollow spaces within the facial bones that normally allow air to circulate and mucus to drain into the nose. The maxillary sinuses sit behind the cheeks and are frequent sources of facial pressure and sinus infections. 

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of these spaces becomes swollen or inflamed, often after a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection or other inflammatory reaction. Chronic sinusitis (also called chronic rhinosinusitis) is usually defined as symptoms and swelling that last longer than three months, sometimes driven by structural blockages such as a deviated septum, abnormal bone, or nasal polyps. 

Common symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion and discharge

   

• Facial pain or pressure, including tooth pain
• Headache, cough, and fatigue
• Decreased sense of smell

When medicines like nasal steroids, rinses, and antibiotics are not enough, surgery to enlarge the sinus opening and improve drainage may be considered. 

What Is a Maxillary Antrostomy?

Maxillary antrostomy is an endoscopic procedure that opens and enlarges the natural drainage pathway (ostium) of the maxillary sinus so mucus can clear more easily. It is performed through the nostril using a thin, lighted camera called an endoscope; no external facial incisions are required. 

Government guidelines describe functional endoscopic sinus surgery as a minimally invasive procedure used to restore normal sinus drainage in people with chronic rhinosinusitis whose symptoms have lasted more than 12 weeks and have not improved with appropriate medical therapy, supported by CT scan and endoscopic findings. Maxillary antrostomy is one of the standard endonasal sinus operations listed in federal device labeling for ENT surgical instruments. 

During a maxillary antrostomy, the surgeon:

• Places an endoscope into the nose to see the nasal cavity and sinus openings

• Uses delicate instruments to remove tissue that blocks the natural maxillary opening, such as thickened lining, bone, or polyps

• Creates a wider, smoother channel for mucus to drain from the cheek sinus into the nose

The goal is not to “remove” the sinus, but to help it function more normally by restoring ventilation and drainage.

Who May Benefit from Maxillary Antrostomy in Seattle?

A maxillary antrostomy may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with:

• Chronic maxillary sinusitis or chronic rhinosinusitis with symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal congestion, and drainage lasting longer than 12 weeks

• Recurrent acute sinus infections despite appropriate courses of medicine

• CT scans showing an opacified or poorly draining maxillary sinus, or blockage at the osteomeatal complex

• Structural problems such as deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, or nasal polyps contributing to obstruction

The surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite full medical treatment, and when imaging and nasal endoscopy confirm chronic rhinosinusitis.

A thorough evaluation with an ENT specialist is essential to determine whether maxillary antrostomy, or another approach, is appropriate for your specific anatomy and health history.

What to Expect From the Procedure

Maxillary antrostomy is typically performed under anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center. General information from nasal and sinus surgery resources notes that patients may receive general anesthesia (asleep and pain‑free) or, in some cases, local anesthesia with sedation. 

Using endoscopic techniques, the surgeon works through the nostrils to clear blocked pathways and open sinus drainage channels, often addressing other areas such as the ethmoid sinuses or septum at the same time if needed. 

After surgery, federal patient‑education materials on endoscopic sinus surgery highlight that:

• Your provider will give detailed instructions on caring for your nose and sinuses

• You may be asked to use saline sprays or sinus irrigation to help keep the passages clear

• You should avoid heavy lifting, straining, or blowing your nose for at least about 10 days, or as advised by your surgeon

Expected temporary symptoms can include congestion, mild bleeding, and facial pressure. As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia, which are common to many nasal operations. 

Maxillary Antrostomy at Sinusitis In Seattle

Sinusitis In Seattle focuses on integrating medical therapy, imaging, and advanced endoscopic surgery to manage complex sinus disease. Dr. Santos evaluates each patient individually, reviewing symptom history, medical treatments already tried, nasal endoscopy findings, and CT scans, before recommending maxillary antrostomy or alternative options.

Patients from across the Seattle metro area, including West Seattle, Burien, Bellevue, and Tacoma, come to Sinusitis In Seattle for evaluation of chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, and recurrent infections. To get more details about Maxillary Antrostomy or other services, call us at (206) 242-3696 or visit our website.