The evaluation of nasolacrimal duct injury in Le Fort I osteotomy patients / Evaluación de la lesión del conducto nasolagrimal en pacientes con osteotomía Le Fort I

Background: Although Le Fort I surgeries are safe and successful procedures; nasolacrimal duct injuries may be observed due to these surgeries. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nasolacrimal duct injury in Le Fort I osteotomy patients. Material and Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study consisting of patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomies between 2017 and 2021 in the Erciyes University Faculty of Dentistry. The primary predictor variables were the distance of the nasolacrimal canal to the outer cortex of the maxilla and the nasal floor, as well as the superior-inferior level of the superiorly positioned screw inserted in the maxilla aperture region relative to the nasolacrimal canal. The outcome variable was the presence of a nasolacrimal duct injury. Mann Whitney U test was used for quantitative variables between the two groups. A Pearson chi-squared analysis was used to compare categorical data. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 290 nasolacrimal canals were evaluated in 145 patients, 87 females, and 58 males. The mean age was 23.47± 6.67. There was a statistically significant relationship between screw level and nasolacrimal canal perforation (p<0,001). The distance between the most anterior border of the nasolacrimal canal and the outer cortical of the maxilla was significantly less in the perforation group (p<0,001). The fixation screw was significantly closer to the nasolacrimal canal in the perforation group (p<0,001). Conclusions: In Le Fort I surgery, nasolacrimal duct injury may occur during screw fixation to the aperture region. Superiorly positioned fixation screws in the aperture region may damage the nasolacrimal canal. In patients where the nasolacrimal canal is close to the outer cortex, care should be taken when applying the fixation screws to the aperture region to avoid damaging the canal.(AU)

Epiphora after nasolacrimal duct fracture in patients with midfacial trauma: A retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to identify the factors related to occurrence of epiphora or requirement of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with midfacial trauma.We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 1038 patients with midfacial trauma from January 2005 to December 2015. Fifty-one patients (55 cases) diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct (NLD) fracture using facial bone computed tomography were enrolled. Correlation analysis was performed of patient- and injury-related factors, including age, sex, facial trauma etiology, accompanying injury, type and level of the NLD fracture, and time from injury to initial surgery, with the occurrence of epiphora and requirement for DCR.Epiphora occurred in 14.5% and DCR was performed in 5.5% of the patients with NLD fracture. The correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship among the factors with the occurrence of epiphora and requirement for DCR.In patients with midfacial trauma and NLD fracture, epiphora occurred in 14.5% and endoscopic DCR was performed due to persistent epiphora in 5.5% and its result was all successful.

Trauma-induced exostosis of multiple suture lines causing partial bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare.

A definitive diagnosis of extensive suture line exostoses affecting the nasofrontal, nasolacrimal, nasomaxillary, frontolacrimal, lacrimozygomatic and lacrimomaxillary suture lines in a 7-year-old Thoroughbred mare with chronic bilateral epiphora and facial deformation was achieved using standing computed tomography (CT) examinations. Positive contrast dacryocystorhinography using CT revealed partial bilateral obstruction of the nasolacrimal ducts. Minimally displaced depression fractures of the right nasal bone, the right maxillary bone and right frontal bone were also demonstrated. The cosmetic appearance of the periosteal reaction associated with the suture line exostosis and epiphora significantly improved within 3 months of diagnosis and treatment.

A Rare Cause for Recurrent Implant-Related Inflammation of Orbit: Dacryocystitis.

Ultra-thin porous polyethylene has been widely preferred in orbital blow out fracture repair for many years as a safe and stable material. Delayed complications related to the implant in orbital blow out fracture repair are very rare and usually begin as a periorbital inflammation. Infections and tissue reaction to the foreign body are regarded as main causes for implant-related inflammation of which symptoms may vary among the patients and may involve subacute and chronic eyelid swelling, skin redness, pain, conjunctival injection, proptosis, and acute orbital inflammation.Presented here is a patient of recurrent periorbital inflammation who underwent orbital floor repair with ultra-thin porous polyethylene sheet which was complicated by dacryocystitis in the late follow-up period.

Prevalence of nasolacrimal canal obstruction and epiphora following maxillary orthognathic surgery.

Acquired injuries of the nasolacrimal apparatus may be the result of craniomaxillofacial surgical procedures, facial trauma, or inflammation. Injury to the nasolacrimal duct system following maxillary orthognathic surgery is rarely reported. This study evaluated the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of epiphora developing after Le Fort I surgery. The records of 83 patients who underwent maxillary orthognathic surgery over a 2-year period were reviewed. The prevalence of postoperative epiphora was 3.6% and it persisted for a mean of 32.7 days. No patient required further surgical treatment of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Clinicians should evaluate the lacrimal canal position and schedule close postoperative follow-up of injuries to the nasolacrimal apparatus. These may become permanent, necessitating additional surgery.

Lacrimal Sac Pneumatocele Following Blunt Nasal Trauma.

Pneumatocele of the lacrimal sac is an uncommon entity and has been rarely reported in literature. The valvular function of the Hasner's valve at the lower end of nasolacrimal duct is presumed to prevent the retrograde reflux of air into the lacrimal sac with increased intranasal pressure as in valsalva maneuver. Loss of this valvular function as noted with persistent positive airway pressure ventilation can cause retrograde air reflux into lacrimal sac. The authors report a case of lacrimal sac pneumatocele which developed following blunt nasal trauma involving the bony nasolacrimal duct.

Surgical management of traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate etiologies, demographics, and surgical outcomes in cases of traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). METHODS: Charts of 35 patients with the diagnosis of traumatic NLDO were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, type of trauma, previous lacrimal surgery history, surgical treatment, follow-up time, and anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty eyes of 35 patients were included in this study over 12 years. Twenty-four patients were male (68.5%) and the mean age of the patients was 31.52 ± 14.58 years (range 9-68). The most common etiology was motor vehicle accidents (52.5%), followed by high velocity blunt injury (27.5%), accidental fall (7.5%), occupational trauma (5%), iatrogenic surgical trauma (5%), and animal bite (2.5%). A total of 21 eyes (52.5%) were treated with external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), 30% with conjunctival DCR, 15% with endoscopic DCR, and 2.5% with diode laser-assisted DCR. Mean follow-up time was 23.02 ± 13.53 months. Functional and anatomical success was recorded in 37 out of 40 eyes (92.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Naso-orbitoethmoidal fracture is the main etiology of traumatic NLDO. The majority of the injuries occurred in male participants from motor vehicle accidents and high-velocity blunt injury. Dacryocystorhinostomy provides anatomical and functional success in 92.5% of cases of traumatic NLDO.

Transection of Nasolacrimal Duct in Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy: Implication on Epiphora.

OBJECTIVE: Management of the nasolacrimal system is usually recommended during medial maxillectomy via external approach because of reported higher rates of postoperative epiphora. Association of the endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) with epiphora, however, is not clearly stated. In this study, we attempted to evaluate whether patients develop epiphora after simple transection of the nasolacrimal duct during EMM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 26 patients who underwent endoscopic tumor resection for inverted papilloma (IP) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent EMM with nasolacrimal canal transection were included and recalled for lacrimal system evaluation. Twelve patients were eligible for inclusion and fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) was performed for each patient. Patient demographics, tumor data, surgical procedures, and follow-up time were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 12 patients included in the study, 6 underwent canine fossa transantral approach concurrently with EMM. The mean duration of follow-up was 21.1 months (range, 6-84 months). Eight patients were graded as 0, whereas 4 patients were graded as 1 according to FDDT. All test results were interpreted as negative for epiphora. All patients were completely symptom free of epiphora. CONCLUSIONS: Epiphora after EMM with nasolacrimal canal transection among patients with sinonasal tumors appears to be uncommon. Therefore, prophylactic concurrent management of nasolacrimal system including stenting, dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), or postoperative lacrimal lavage are not mandatory for all patients.

Image-Guided Dacryolocalization (IGDL) in Traumatic Secondary Acquired Lacrimal drainage Obstructions (SALDO).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to illustrate the usefulness of stereotactic or image-guided navigation in the management of traumatic secondary acquired lacrimal drainage obstructions. METHODS: Image-guided dacryolocalization was performed on 3 patients. All the patients were posttraumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction as a consequence of gross naso-orbito-ethmoid fractures. All the procedures were performed through an endoscopic endonasal approach using the intraoperative electromagnetic image-guided Fusion ENT navigation system. Intraoperative anatomical guidance in localizing the lacrimal drainage system, usefulness at crucial phases of surgery, ease of surgery, and complications were noted. RESULTS: All patients underwent a powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy using standard protocols but with an additional intraoperative navigation use at each of the major steps during the surgery. The dacryolocalization provided useful anatomical clues while operating in the vicinity of orbit and skull base. The set up was quick with no additional technical difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Image-guided dacryolocalization is a very useful adjunctive tool that facilitates safe and precise surgeries in otherwise challenging surgical situations.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic endonasal conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones tube placement: a thirteen-year experience.

PURPOSE: To report thirteen years of experience with endoscopic-assisted endonasal primary conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) and revision with Jones tube placement in Korean patients. METHODS: Thirty-three patients who underwent primary endoscopic endonasal CDCR with a Jones tube and were followed for over 6 months and 22 patients who underwent revision CDCR were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the cause of obstruction, operation time, tube length, success rate (at 6, 12 and 24 months), and the cause of failure for primary and revision procedures. RESULTS: The most common cause for operation in primary CDCR was trauma. The mean operation time was 26 min and 24 min in the primary and revision groups. The initial success rate was 87.9% vs. 74.3% at 6 months postoperative and 63.6% vs. 60% at two years after surgery in the primary and revision group. The most common reason for failure in both groups was medial migration of the tube, and the mean onset of these complications was about 10 months postoperative. Other major reasons for failure were inappropriate length of tube insertion in the primary group and inflammation in the revision group. CONCLUSION: Fatal complications which lead to failure may develop many months into the procedure, so long-term follow-up is necessary. The most common cause of failure was medial migration of the Jones tube; however, inappropriate tube insertion in primary surgery and severe inflammation in revision may also be concerns.

[Preliminary study on CT retrograde intubation dacryosystography (CT-RIDC) and its impact factors].

OBJECTIVE: To observe practicality and safety of CT-RIDC for the patients with presaccular lacrimal obstruction and study the related factors. To provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of the patients with presaccular lacrimal obstruction. METHODS: Fifty-four patients (75 eyes) with presaccular lacrimal obstruction, including 3 cases (5 eyes) of upper and lower lacrimal punctum atresia, 15 cases (24 eyes) of superior and inferior canalicular obstruction, 18 cases (28 eyes) of common canaliculus obstruction, 18 cases (18 eyes) of old laceration of superior and inferior canalicular, were recruited. All patients underwent the examination by using 0° and 30° ear endoscope and the imaging characteristics of the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct were obtained. Fifty-three cases (65 eyes) with the opening inferior orifice were randomly divided into four groups (15 eyes, 17 eyes, 17 eyes, 16 eyes) according to different angle of head hypsokinesis in the supine position. The OM lines back along the sagittal plane of the head back 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° were measured. The angles of head hypsokinesis were set in accordance with the OM line measurement results.Intubation was successful when the intubation guided needle within the set of epidural anesthetic catheter aided with endoscopy was inserted into the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct and then the epidural anesthetic catheter was inserted into the lacrimal duct 6 mm. The angle (θ) between the long axis of the curved part of the intubation guided needle and the long axis of the guided needle was measured. The numbers of intubation success cases in each group were recorded.χ² test was used to compare intubation success rate under the different angle of head hypsokinesis.Scheffe method was used to compare intubation success rate between each group. Contrast medium was then injected into lacrimal duct through the epidural anesthetic catheter for patients with successful intubation and CT scan was carried out. 3D model of lacrimal passage was reconstructed with CT axial scanning. RESULTS: The intubation guided needle was successfully inserted into the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct in 44 eyes among 65 eyes with the opening orifice. The number of successful intubation cases were 4 eyes, 15 eyes, 13 eyes, 12 eyes and the intubation success rate was 26.67%, 88.24%, 76.74%, 75.00% according the angle of head hypsokinesis 10° group (15 eyes), 20° group (17 eyes), 30° group (17 eyes), 40° group (16 eyes). The intubation success rate of head hypsokinesis 10° group was significantly lower than that of the other groups. Multiple Comparison by Scheffe Test demonstrated that there was a remarkable difference (P < 0.05) in the intubation success rate between head hypsokinesis 10° group and the other three groups. There were no significant differences in the intubation success rate among head hypsokinesis 20° group, head hypsokinesis 30° group and head hypsokinesis 40° group. The mean of θ was 108° with a range of 93.2°-120.5° by measuring the angle θ of the successful intubation cases. According to the frequency distribution plot, most θ was in 104°-115°. The successful intubation cases (44 eyes) underwent CT scan in the same position immediately after injected contrast medium (Optiray) through the epidural anesthetic catheter. CT images of 28 eyes showed retained contrast medium in the nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal sac. The findings from CT-DCG images were basically agreed with the operation. CONCLUSIONS: CD-RIDC may apply to pre-operative examination for the patients with the opening orifice and presaccular lacrimal obstruction.It provideed imaging evidence for diagnosis and therapy and it was safe and practical. Many factors could affect CD-RIDC. The main verified facors were the shape of the inferior orifice of nasolacrimal duct, head position of the patient and the bending angle of the tip of intubation guided needle.

A new method using xenogeneicacellular dermal matrix in the reconstruction of lacrimal drainage.

AIMS: To prospectively evaluate the reliability and efficacy of a new treatment for the reconstruction of the lacrimal duct using a new histo-engineered material, xenogeneic (bovine) acellular dermal matrix. METHOD: Five patients (five eyes) with partial or total absence of the lacrimal duct were included in the study. Four patients (four eyes) suffered from traumatic injuries to the lacrimal duct and one patient (one eye) had congenital absence of the lacrimal drainage system. A pedal graft of conjunctiva was taken from the fornix area and rolled into a tube structure after being attached to the acellular dermal matrix. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up for the patients was 7.2 months (ranging from 6 to 12 months). After surgery, the new duct in the nasal cavity could be observed above the middle turbinate by nasal endoscopy. Patency was confirmed by pressing in the area of the lacrimal sac and visualising air bubbles in the nasal cavity. Additionally, the meatus above the middle turbinate of the nasal cavity was stained and visualised after patients underwent Jones dye test 1 (JDT1). Five tear ducts proved to be effective through irrigation testing and epiphora symptoms were alleviated in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The newly reconstructed lacrimal duct, formed by the shift of autogenous conjunctival petal and the attachment of acellular dermal matrix, was successful in all five cases and suggests a new solution for the complex lacrimal duct lesion and congenital anomalies of the lacrimal duct.

Traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction: clinical profile, management, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To review clinical profile, management, and outcome in cases of traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). 
 METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 28 patients with the diagnosis of traumatic NLDO during a 12-year period was done. Data regarding nature and pattern of injury, associated damage, clinical features, investigations, management, outcome, and follow-up were reviewed.
 RESULTS: Of the 28 patients reviewed in the study, 19 (68%) were male and 9 (32%) were female. Mean age of the patients was 30.1 years. The most common cause of traumatic NLDO was high-velocity blunt injury encountered in road traffic accidents (70%), and the most common pattern of injury was naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures (64%). Traumatic telecanthus was the most commonly associated periocular injury (54%). Twenty-one patients (75%) were investigated with computed tomography-dacryocystography. A total of 26 patients were treated with external dacryocystorhinostomy with (75%) or without (18%) silicon intubation and 2 (7%) patients underwent dacryocystectomy. General anesthesia was administered in 19 (68%) patients and local anesthesia in 9 (32%) patients. Mean follow-up period was 7.71 months (range 3 months to 6 years). Successful outcome was recorded in 25 out of 26 eyes (96%) operated with external dacryocystorhinostomy with or without silicone intubation.
 CONCLUSION: Naso-orbito-ethmoidal fracture is the main cause of traumatic NLDO, commonly in young male individuals. Telecanthus is an important presenting feature. Computed tomography-dacryocystography is a useful imaging modality in preoperative assessment and surgical planning. External dacryocystorhinostomy with or without intubation under general anesthesia gives good surgical outcome.

Use of silicone tubes to repair canalicular lacerations via a novel method.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel method to repair canalicular lacerations using silicone tubes. METHODS: A total of 47 adult patients (47 eyes) with canalicular lacerations were collected from the outpatient department from November 2010 to December 2012. The age ranged from 16 to 53 years. Among the 47 eyes, 37 had lower canalicular lacerations, 6 had upper canalicular lacerations, and 4 had bicanalicular lacerations. A soft probe was made using a stainless steel acupuncture needle, which was inserted into the lumen of the proximal part of the catheter to increase its rigidity. The probe was then inserted into the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct. After retrieval of the catheters, the two ends of the silicone tube were securely tied (end to end) to the catheters. The silicon tube outside the nostril formed a U-shape. The catheters were then pulled upward until the silicone tube was completely located in the canalicular system. The catheters were cut off of the silicone tube near the site of the connection. The two ends of the silicone tube were cut short, -2mm out of the lacrimal punctum, and tied securely, end to end. The length of the tube between the upper and lower punctum was adjusted to ensure that no tension was present in the medial cathus, and the suture was removed through the nostril. The silicone tube was removed 3-10 months after this novel canalicular intubation procedure (NCI). RESULTS: All cases were anatomically rehabilitated after surgery. The silicone tube was removed after implanted in 3-10 months (mean 4.5 +/- 1.3 months), the average follow-up time was 11.8 months after removal. In total, 45 eyes in all 47 eyes (95.74%) were free from obstruction. Among them, 41 eyes (91.11%) achieved complete success (completely disappearance of epiphora after tube removal), 4 eyes (8.89%) achieved partial success (irritation occurs under stimulation conditions, such as wind or cold conditions), 4 eyes showed postoperative tearing, with three eyes having inferior lacrimal duct laceration, and one eye with superior canalicular laceration. Apart from two cases (4.26%) suffering inferior punctum splitting, no other associated issues occurred with the silicone tube or iatrogenic injury and lacrimal complications. CONCLUSION: For adult patients with canalicular laceration, the NCI was an effective, atraumatic surgery, which has fewer complications than traditional canalicular suture.

Intraoperative lacrimal intubation to prevent epiphora as a result of injury to the nasolacrimal system after fracture of the naso-orbitoethmoid complex.

Treatment of fracture of the naso-orbitoethmoid (NOE) complex is difficult. There are not only aesthetic issues but also functional consequences related to the lacrimal system. Because prophylactic lacrimal intubation for such fractures remains controversial, we have assessed the effectiveness of intraoperative lacrimal intubation to prevent epiphora as a result of such injuries. Thirteen patients diagnosed with craniomaxillofacial fractures including fractures of the NOE complex were included in the study; 10 had unilateral fractures and 3 bilateral. Computed tomography (CT) showed all patients had displaced fragments that had the potential to damage the lacrimal duct. In 7 patients the fractures included the canthal region and in 6 they did not. All patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation under general anaesthesia, followed by intraoperative lacrimal intubation unilaterally or bilaterally as required. Lacrimal intubation with a silicone tube was successful in all 13 patients (16 sides). The tube was removed 2-9 months (mean 3.8) postoperatively and no subsequent epiphora were seen during follow-up (mean (3-29 months) 11.3 months). Lacrimal intubation for at least 2 months may prevent epiphora caused by injury to the nasolacrimal system after fractures of the NOE complex.

Topographic evaluation of the medial canthus-alar groove line in terms of determining the boundaries of lateral osteotomies.

UNLABELLED: Nasolacrimal duct injury is a rare complication of rhinoplasty. Detailed regional anatomy knowledge is mandatory to avoid this complication. To display a reference line to protect the nasolacrimal duct from injury during lateral osteotomy, dacryocystography images of 10 patients who underwent rhinoplasty surgery at the authors' clinic were obtained. Lateral osteotomy lines and a line from the medial canthus to the alar groove were marked with radio-opaque wires before procedures. Horizontal and sagittal distances from these lines to the nasolacrimal duct were measured at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the nasolacrimal duct. No sign of nasolacrimal duct injury was observed postoperatively. The mean horizontal distances from the osteotomy lines to the nasolacrimal duct entrance, midpoint, and exit were respectively 0.23 ± 0.12 cm, 0.25 ± 0.11 cm, and 0.24 ± 0.11 cm, and the mean sagittal distances were respectively 0.61 ± 0.21 cm, 1.96 ± 0.28 cm, and 2.38 ± 0.32 cm. The mean horizontal distances from the medial canthus-alar groove line to the nasolacrimal duct entrance, midpoint, and exit were respectively 0.57 ± 0.1 cm, 0.51 ± 0.1 cm, and 0.46 ± 0.13 cm, and the mean sagittal distances were 0.91 ± 0.27 cm, 1.34 ± 0.27 cm, and 1.79 ± 0.3 cm. The osteotomy lines and the nasolacrimal duct were closest in the medial canthal region. The imaginary line from the medial canthus to the junction of the alar wings and cheek was always lateral and anterior to the nasolacrimal duct. Considering the three-dimensional shape of the nose, especially its projection, placement of lateral osteotomies medial to the medial canthus-alar groove line would decrease the risk of nasolacrimal duct injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Uncinectomy through the anterior nasal fontanelle in endoscopic sinus surgery.

In functional endoscopic sinus surgery, the resection of the uncinate process is an important step. The traditional method of performing uncinectomy is associated with the risk of penetrating the lamina papyracea and orbital fat exposure. Without timely detection and appropriate treatment, uncinectomy may lead to serious consequences such as blindness. In our study, we used the novel approach of performing uncinectomy through the anterior nasal fontanelle. Orbital complications were observed in 4 of the 112 patients who underwent the traditional method; however, no complication was observed in patients who underwent surgeries with the new approach (P < 0.01). No nasolacrimal duct injury or eye movement disorder was observed in the 2 groups. The percentage of opening of the maxillary sinus ostia by using the new method was significantly greater than that achieved by using the traditional method (97.93% and 70.53%, respectively). The mean score in the visual analog scale, which is used to measure the efficacy of the procedure, for the new method was lower than that for the traditional method, and the difference was statically significant (t = 4.17, P < 0.01). Six and 12 months after the operations, the Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores obtained when the new method was used were lower than those obtained when the traditional method was used (t = 3.27 and t = 4.40, respectively; P < 0.05). Therefore, uncinectomy through the anterior nasal fontanelle was a convenient and safe procedure and ensured good exposure of the maxillary sinus ostia. This procedure effectively improved the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery.

Prevention and management of complications in maxillary sinus surgery.

This article is divided into six sections that are related to six commonly used operations for surgery on the maxillary sinus. The authors discuss maxillary sinoscopy, the Caldwell-Luc procedure, extended middle meatus antrostomy, endoscopic maxillary sinus antrostomy, minimally invasive sinus technique, and balloon sinus procedures. In each of these procedures, the authors discuss potential complications and address prevention and management strategies. Maxillary sinus surgery can greatly improve patients' symptoms and disease process. The authors encourage the surgeon to take great care in ensuring sound surgical principles. Understanding the potential areas in which surgery can fail will help tremendously in preventing complications.