Postnasal Drip and Antrostomy Narrowing after Surgery for Maxillary Sinus Fungus Ball

Although endoscopic removal of maxillary sinus fungus balls is highly effective with a low relapse rate, postoperative sequelae such as persistent postnasal drip (PND), antrostomy narrowing/closure, and maxillary sinus mucus retention are not uncommon.The objective of this study is to identify the factors associated with these specific postoperative outcomes.Patient background characteristics, the presence of bony hypertrophy on CT, the position of the maxillary sinus floor relative to the nasal floor, whether EMMM was performed, the status of the maxillary antrostomy (narrowed or closed), presence of PND, mucus accumulation on the floor of the maxillary sinus and recurrence of fungal ball were retrospectively collected from medical records and CT imaging.A total of 57 patients were included in this study.No recurrence of maxillary sinus fungus ball was observed.However, narrowing or closure of the middle meatal antrostomy was noted in 8 patients (14%).Seven patients (12%) had PND sensation.Performance of EMMM plus inferior meatal antrostomy was significantly associated with the sensation of PND (odds ratio 9.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.52-64.63;p = 0.017).In conclusion, maxillary sinus fungus ball rarely recurs after surgery; however, some patients experience persistent PND sensation.Performing EMMM with inferior meatal antrostomy was significantly associated with this symptom.