Objective To introduce the surgical method of lateral nasal wall resection via the inferior turbinate-lacrimal duct composite flap flip approach. Methods A total of 11 patients diagnosed with maxillary sinonasal inverted papilloma (MSIP) from June 2020 to January 2024, whose tumor base locations were relatively concealed, were included in this study. All the patients underwent tumor removal through the anterior lacrimal approach using the inferior turbinate-nasolacrimal duct composite flap flip method. After exploring the base of the tumor, the anterior, posterior and inferior boundaries of the inferior turbinate-nasolacrimal duct were identified and incised. The membranous nasolacrimal duct was exposed and isolated. Ultimately, the purpose of flipping the inferior turbinate-nasolacrimal duct composite flap was achieved. After expanding the surgical field, the tumor was completely removed and the attached bone at the base of the tumor was ground and cauterized. Finally, the inferior turbinate-nasolacrimal duct composite flap was repositioned and simply sutured. Results This technique could achieve the same surgical field and exposure as external lateral wall resection for different types of pre-lacrimal fossa gasification. Meanwhile, the exposure rates of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus, alveolar recess and zygomatic recess could all reach 100%. All the patients were followed up for an average of 23 months after surgery and showed no tumor recurrence. The anterior segment of the inferior turbinate and membranous nasolacrimal duct were preserved in all patients. No patients encountered obvious symptoms of epiphora and abnormal nasal ventilation after the operation. Conclusion This technique enables excellent visualization of the maxillary sinus, facilitating complete tumor resection and good control of postoperative complications.