Iatrogenic maxillary sinus recirculation and beyond

Abstract

Recirculation of nasal mucus occurs when secretions that have been transported out of the natural maxillary ostium return to the sinus via a surgically created or accessory ostium. Recirculation increases the risk of persistent sinus infection. In this article, we describe a case of mucus recirculation in a patient who had not responded to two previous sinus surgeries for recurrent rhinosinusitis. We also postulate the possibility of ethmoid recirculation.