Partial maxillectomy assisted by nasal endoscopy

Partial maxillectomy is one of the standard treatments for sinonasal malignant tumors. By combining this procedure with chemoradaition therapy, we have achieved a good prognosis and a better quality of life in our patient group. However, in some instances, visibility during surgery was adversely affected due to bleeding and blind spots. To improve these problems, nasal endoscopy was utilized to assist partial maxillectomy. Three patients who received partial maxillectomy assisted by nasal endoscopy were reviewed. Two patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and one with inverted papilloma. The advantage of incorporating nasal endoscopy to the surgery include: 1) improved management of visibility in the surgical field, 2) facilitation of cooperation between primary surgeon and assistants, 3) image recording was possible for use in education, 4) overall limited invasive surgery was feasible in some patients by preserving key anatomical structures. Partial maxillectomy assisted by sinonasal endoscopy was useful in the three patients evaluated. Further analysis is needed to expand aspects of this approach.