Antroscopy: a comparison between the sublabial (canine fossa) and intranasal (inferior meatus) approaches as an out-patient procedure

We present a prospective randomized study comparing two approaches for out-patient antroscopy. The traditional inferior meatus route was seen to be associated with a higher incidence of discomfort and significant complications. An alternative route via the canine fossa provided easier access, better patient tolerance and improved visualization of the antral contents. It was associated with a lower incidence of immediate complications, although there were a number of delayed symptoms, all of which were mild and transient. The canine fossa approach under local anaesthesia offers an effective and more acceptable alternative for antroscopy as an out-patient procedure.