In functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), the first structure routinely opened to access the maxillary sinus ostium via the infundibulum is the:
- A Ethmoid bulla
- B Agger nasi cell
- C Uncinate process ✓
- D Middle turbinate
Correct answer: C. Uncinate process
Explanation
The uncinate process is the first structure removed (uncinectomy) in FESS, as it forms the medial wall of the ethmoidal infundibulum through which the maxillary sinus drains. Uncinectomy exposes the natural maxillary ostium and provides access to the infundibulum. The ethmoid bulla is the next structure addressed during anterior ethmoidectomy. The agger nasi cell lies anterior and superior and is the first cell encountered during frontal recess dissection.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.