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Maxillary Antral Sinus Washout

What Is Maxillary Antral Sinus Washout?

Maxillary antral sinus washout clears the maxillary sinus of infectious drainage.  The washout is typically reserved for patients with recurring sinus infections who cannot rid these complications with antibiotics or sprays.  The drainage fills or blocks the maxillary sinus cavity causing cheek or tooth pain.  In these cases, the sinus cannot clear the drainage itself and requires medical intervention. 

During sinus washout, the doctor administers general anesthesia putting the patient to sleep.  Using a metal tube inserted through the nose into the sinus, the doctor flushes the cavity with a saline solution, clearing the blockage.  During the procedure, the doctor also collects a sample of the infected drainage to better understand the cause and nature of the condition.  Sinus washout is an outpatient procedure with an average 3 to 4-hour recovery time before release.  After surgery, patients typically feel slight pain in their noses, for which the doctor may prescribe pain medication.  The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce risk of infection as the sinus area heals.   

Smokers and obese patients may not be good candidates for sinus washout.  Likewise, patients with high blood pressure should check with the doctor before pursuing the procedure.  Patients with colds must get over the cold first, as the anesthesia may temporarily weaken their immune systems, worsening the infection.  Moreover, patients should wait 1 to 3 months after the sinus washout before engaging in activities that may drastically alter sinus pressure (swimming, diving, or airplane travel).