To compare functional endoscopic sinus surgery with a combined approach (functional endoscopic sinus surgery plus Caldwell–Luc procedure) for the treatment of paediatric antrochoanal polyp, in terms of antrochoanal polyp recurrence and safety.

This retrospective case series comprises 27 paediatric patients with recurrent antrochoanal polyp, treated from January 2010 to January 2018.

The average age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 10.4 ± 2.49 years. The recurrence rate after functional endoscopic sinus surgery alone was 72.9 per cent, compared with 12.5 per cent after functional endoscopic sinus surgery plus the Caldwell–Luc procedure (p < 0.00001). No complications were reported during surgery or follow up.

The correct identification of the origin of the antrochoanal polyp and an adequate returning of maxillary ventilation by widening the ostium can prevent recurrences. Although functional endoscopic sinus surgery continues to be the ‘gold standard’ for antrochoanal polyp treatment, in cases of revision surgery, a combined approach could ensure the complete removal of the polyp through the two openings.