INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The frontal sinus ostium is frequently difficult to recognize because of anatomical structures that hide it. The objective of the present study was to identify and describe the frontal recess anatomy that impairs the endoscopic recognition of the frontal sinus ostium. STUD DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted by consecutive endoscopic dissections of 32 cadavers (59 sides), 10 (31.25%) females and 22 (68.75%) males. After resection of the lower portion of the uncinate process, with preservation of its upper insertion, we evaluated which anatomical structures needed to be removed for complete visualization of the frontal sinus ostium. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of the frontal sinus ostium after resection of the lower portion of the uncinate process was possible in only 11 (18.64%) nasal cavities. The uncinate process (terminal recess) was the main anatomical structure that impaired the recognition of the frontal sinus ostium, present in 45 (76.27%) nasal cavities, followed by the ethmoid bulla (16.95%) and agger nasi cells (6.78%).
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