Anterior maxillary wall and lacrimal duct distance in a single-center sample of Filipinos: CT analysis for prelacrimal window access to the maxillary sinus.

Jared Jenrik S CHUA; Ken Edward ZATA; Ryan U CHUA

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Anterior maxillary wall and lacrimal duct distance in a single-center sample of Filipinos: CT analysis for prelacrimal window access to the maxillary sinus.

Author: Jared Jenrik S. CHUA ¹ ; Ken Edward ZATA ¹ ; Ryan U. CHUA ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
Keywords: Prelacrimal Window; Paranasal Sinus; Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
MeSH: Human; Maxillary Sinus; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms
From: Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;40(2):30-33
CountryPhilippines
Abstract: OBJECTIVE
To determine if the prelacrimal window approach is feasible in a Filipino population by measuring the distance between the anterior maxillary wall and lacrimal duct in paranasal sinus CT scans, classifying them into prelacrimal window approach levels of difficulty.
METHODS
Design: Retrospective Review of Records
Setting: Tertiary Private University Hospital
Participants: PNS CT scans of Filipino patients 18 years old or above
RESULTS
A total of 169 PNS CT scans were reviewed, measuring the right and left sides for a total of 338 sides. The mean prelacrimal window distance for males was 5.70mm (±1.79), while for females it was 4.94 (±1.75), with a combined mean distance of 5.32mm. Ten percent (10%) of CT scans (34) were classified as Type 1; 73.7% (249) were classified as Type 2, and 16.3% (55) were classified as Type 3.
CONCLUSION
The prelacrimal window approach may be anatomically feasible in the Filipino population studied, with 90% of the PNS CT scan sides reviewed falling into the Type 2; and Type 3 categories, opening more potential avenues in the management of anterior maxillary lesions in the Philippines.