Inverted papilloma of the maxillary sinus: a case for Caldwell-Luc

Background Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign tumor of the sinonasal cavity. Due to its carcinomatous potential, risk for local destruction and high rate of recurrence, its complete surgical resection has always been the standard treatment. The Caldwell-Luc (CL) procedure has been the gold standard for surgery of the maxillary sinus over the past century. Despite its efficacy, less radical endoscopic techniques have replaced this classical approach for most indications over the last decades by treating IP with low recurrence rates and less morbidity. However the IP of the maxillary sinus could be difficult to fully visualize and remove especially in case of lateral, inferior or anterior maxillary wall involvement. The aim of this case report is to show that the more radical CL procedure can still be rational for specific indications even today.