Antrochoanal polyps (ACP) represent 4-6% of all nasal polyps in the general
population, but this proportion increases to 33% in the pediatric group. T
he aim of this study is to discuss clinical and radiological findings, and
some different surgical approaches with their results in the pediatric pati
ents. This study consists of eight children with ACP diagnosed by means of
clinical examination, nasal endoscopy and computed tomography. One patient
was treated only with simple polypectomy. In five patients, transcanine sin
uscopy (TS) was added to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Four of the p
atients underwent anterior ethmoidectomy and uncinectomy. Middle meatal ant
rostomy was applied to two of them. No recurrence was encountered within 5-
30 months. The decision for the appropriate type of surgery for ACP is infl
uenced by factors such as patient's age, other accompanying sinus pathologi
es, recurrence after previous surgery, and the possibility of total excisio
n. In patients carrying the risk of recurrence, it is especially important
to remove the polyp completely and manage other sinus pathologies, as well
as avoiding an unnecessarily expanded operation. In selected patients, we b
elieve that TS may be adequate in totally removing ACP. (C) 1998 Published
by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.