Caldwell-Luc procedure
Pronunciation: KALD-wel-LUKE
Surgical approach to the maxillary sinus through an intraoral incision above the canine tooth, used for sinus pathology treatment.
Full Definition
The Caldwell-Luc procedure is a surgical technique for accessing the maxillary sinus through an intraoral approach, involving an incision in the canine fossa region and creation of a window in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. This procedure was historically used for chronic sinusitis treatment but in oral surgery is now primarily employed for removal of displaced roots or foreign bodies from the sinus, treatment of oro-antral communications, and certain cases of sinus pathology. The procedure may include creation of a nasoantral window for drainage.
Usage
Usage note: Eponym requires proper capitalization; specify the indication for the procedure as technique usage has evolved.
In Context
- "A Caldwell-Luc procedure was performed to retrieve the displaced molar root from the maxillary sinus." — Complication management report
- "The chronic oro-antral communication required closure using a Caldwell-Luc approach with buccal fat pad graft." — Reconstructive surgery documentation