Endoscopic removal of the foreign body in the maxillary sinus: a case report

Among the foreign bodies of the maxillary sinus, the dental originated ones are those the most commonly seen. They usually develop as a result of uncontrolled practice of dental filling materials and gradual migration of endodontic prosthesis into the maxillary sinus. It is known that intrasinusal foreign bodies cause chronic maxillary sinusitis. The patient who was a 33-year-old-woman admitted with complaints of nasal obstruction and post-nasal drainage. In the history of the patient, her right maxillary molar tooth had been filled with silver amalgam ten years ago. In the paranasal sinus tomography of the patient, approximately 5x6 mm foreign body with metal density (4100-4400 HU) was detected inside the hypodense soft tissue area filling up the inferolateral of the right maxillary sinus. Without the need of Caldwell-Luc operation, foreign body and its surrounding tissues were fully removed by functional endoscopic sinus surgery through maxillary sinus ostium. The patient was presented with radiographic views and specimen figure. In the light of this case, it was emphasized that endoscopic sinus surgery has the characteristics of minimal surgical trauma.