Effects of Frequent Antral Lavage on Chronic Sinusitis in Children

Abstract

Eighty cases of pediatric sinusitis (4 to 15 years old, averaged 8 years old) were treated with frequent antral irrigations. Antral puncture was made through the inferior meatus with a Kyoto University needle under topical or general anesthesia. Then a plastic tube of 14G Medicut(r) intravenous canula was left in place to serve as an indwelling catheter. Antral lavages were performed through this tube 3 times daily for 7 to 10 days. The opacity of the maxillaly sinus at post-treatment was improved significantly compared with that at pre-treatment in Waters view. This improvement was continued even at about 5. 7 months after treatment. The opacity of the ethmoid sinus was also improved significantly after the treatment in occipito-frontal view. Our results suggest that the frequent antral lavage is an useful therapeutic modality for pediatric sinusitis. © 1991, The Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan, Inc. All rights reserved.