Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses: surgical treatment and long term results

To present our long term results managing paranasal sinus mucoceles highlighting the pros and cons of the endoscopic approach. Retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of 40 patients with paranasal sinus mucoceles managed by the author over a 9-year period. All patients were subjected to thorough history taking, general otolaryngologic examination, nasal endoscopy and preoperative computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses. Magnetic resonance imaging was done whenever indicated to evaluate intracranial and br intraorbital extension. An ophthalmological examination was carried out in patients with ocular or visual disturbances. The patients were 24 males and 16fengles, their age ranged from 6 to 53 years. The clinical presentation consisted mainly of ophthalmological signs and ymptoms that reflects the preferential localization of mucoceles in the frontoethmoid complex [52.5%]. Thirty six case were managed solely and successfully via endoscopic means. The remaining 4 cases were managed by external approach alone [2 cases] or through combined external and endoscopic approaches [2 cases]. Follow-up ranged between 10-70 months. At the last follow up visit, the presenting symptoms resolved completely in 33 patients, improved in 5 patients. Two patients reported persistence of headache which was later diagnosed as migraine. Our study pointed out the usefulness of the endoscopic approach for both the treatment and follow up of mucoceles. This mini-invasive technique permits accurate drainage and marsipulization of the mucocele with low morbidity, excellent visualization, lack of external incision, and a short hospital stay. Throughout our experience, the endonasal endoscopic approach has proved to be a reliable intervention modality with a favorable long term outcome