Caldwell-Luc operation
Caldwell-Luc Operation
The Caldwell-Luc operationis a surgical procedure used primarily to treat chronic maxillary sinusitis and to remove diseased tissue or growths from the maxillary sinus. This procedure is named after George Caldwell and Henri Luc, who independently described the technique in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History[edit | edit source]
The Caldwell-Luc operation was first described by American surgeon George Caldwell in 1893 and later by French surgeon Henri Luc in 1897. It was developed as a method to access the maxillary sinus through the canine fossa, providing better drainage and allowing for the removal of pathological tissue.
Indications[edit | edit source]
The Caldwell-Luc operation is indicated in cases where:
- There is chronic maxillary sinusitis that has not responded to medical treatment.
- There are benign or malignant tumors in the maxillary sinus.
- There is a need to remove foreign bodies or dental roots from the sinus.
- There is a need to create a permanent opening for drainage.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure involves the following steps:
1. Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia. 2. Incision: A gingivobuccal incision is made in the canine fossa above the upper teeth. 3. Accessing the Sinus: The anterior wall of the maxillary sinus is exposed, and a small window is created in the bone to access the sinus cavity. 4. Removal of Pathology: Diseased tissue, polyps, or tumors are removed from the sinus. 5. Creating a Drainage Pathway: A permanent opening is created between the maxillary sinus and the nasal cavity to facilitate drainage. 6. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures.
Complications[edit | edit source]
Potential complications of the Caldwell-Luc operation include:
- Damage to the infraorbital nerve, leading to numbness or tingling in the cheek.
- Oroantral fistula, an abnormal connection between the oral cavity and the sinus.
- Infection or bleeding.
- Recurrence of sinusitis.
Alternatives[edit | edit source]
With advances in endoscopic sinus surgery, the Caldwell-Luc operation is less commonly performed today. Endoscopic techniques offer a less invasive approach with fewer complications and faster recovery times.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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