Antrochoanal polyposis: analysis of 34 cases

Abstract

An antrochoanal polyp (ACP) is a benign polypoid lesion originating from the maxillary sinus and extending to the choana. The objective of our study is to assess etiological and associated features of ACPs, and outcome following surgical treatment. Thirty-four patients who had received surgical treatment for ACPs were followed for 35 ± 17.7 months. Factors including patient age, gender, history of allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, concha bullosa, accessory ostia, as well as the origin of the polyp, the surgical technique used and any recurrence, were evaluated. Overall, there were 12 females and 22 males. Mean age was 24.94 ± 8.08. Septal deviation was present in 50 %, turbinate hypertrophy in 32.3 %, concha bullosa in 17.6 %, mucous retention cyst in 32.3 %, allergic rhinitis in 44.11 %, and chronic sinusitis in 20.5 %. An accessory ostia was observed in 97.05 %. The functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) approach was used in 31 cases, and three cases had combined FESS and Caldwell Luc procedures. The mean follow-up time was 35.8 ± 17.7 months. Two cases, who had been treated with FESS alone, experienced a recurrence. In conclusion, the commonest predisposing factors for ACPs are chronic inflammatory pathologies such as chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. ACP left the maxillary sinus via an accessory ostium in 97.5 % of the cases. The FESS procedure is a safe and reliable method, and can be combined with the Caldwell Luc procedure when the origin of the maxillary component cannot be properly cleaned. In order to prevent recurrence, total extirpation of the maxillary component is essential.