IMPLEMENTATION OF TELEMEDICINE IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF MAXILLARY SINUS CYSTS

Djurayev J.A., Muhiddinov A.I., Soatov I.O.

Authors

Djurayev J.A., Muhiddinov A.I., Soatov I.O. Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Keywords:

telemedicine, maxillary sinus cyst, rhinology, teleradiology, teledentistry, postoperative follow-up, hybrid care pathway, endoscopic sinus surgery

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine has become a durable adjunct in rhinology, otorhinolaryngology, and oral-maxillofacial care, yet its practical role in patients with maxillary sinus cysts remains insufficiently standardized.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid telemedicine pathway for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of patients with maxillary sinus cysts.

Methods: A modeled comparative cohort of 120 patients was organized into a standard-care group (n=60) and a telemedicine-supported pathway group (n=60). The telemedicine model included remote triage, structured image review of CT/CBCT data, virtual multidisciplinary consultation, digital preoperative counselling, and remote postoperative surveillance.

Results: The telemedicine pathway shortened the time to specialist review from 11.8 ± 3.6 to 4.9 ± 1.8 days and reduced the time to final treatment decision from 16.2 ± 4.9 to 8.1 ± 2.7 days. The mean number of face-to-face visits before definitive management decreased from 2.3 ± 0.7 to 1.2 ± 0.5. Patient satisfaction increased from 78.6 ± 8.9 to 91.8 ± 5.7 points, while adherence to postoperative irrigation improved from 71.7% to 91.7%.

Conclusion: A hybrid telemedicine pathway can improve access, accelerate decision-making, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and support postoperative monitoring in selected patients with maxillary sinus cysts.

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