This article is divided into six sections that are related to six commonly used operations for surgery on the maxillary sinus. The authors discuss maxillary sinoscopy, the Caldwell-Luc procedure, extended middle meatus antrostomy, endoscopic maxillary sinus antrostomy, minimally invasive sinus technique, and balloon sinus procedures. In each of these procedures, the authors discuss potential complications and address prevention and management strategies. Maxillary sinus surgery can greatly improve patients' symptoms and disease process. The authors encourage the surgeon to take great care in ensuring sound surgical principles. Understanding the potential areas in which surgery can fail will help tremendously in preventing complications.