Endoscopic Endonasal Marsupialization of Extensive Nasopalatine Duct Cysts Protruding into the Nasal Cavity

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) are considered the most common non odontogenic cysts of the maxilla. Although the recommended treatment is complete removal of the lesion, complications, such as hematoma or fistula, can occur, especially in extensive cases. The aim of the present paper was to introduce transnasal endoscopic marsupialization as an efficient and useful treatment for NPDC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 5 patients with extensive NPDCs (>2 cm) protruding into their nasal cavities was performed. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal marsupialization. In order to survey the long-term, subjective outcomes, telephone interviews were conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of the included patients with NPDC was 32 years and all were male. Most of the patients had facial pain (100%) and nasal obstruction (80%), and somepatients complained of palate swelling (60%). There were no perioperative complications. The mean OPD follow-up duration was 3.7 months and a telephone survey was conducted with 4 patients at a mean of 27.5 postoperative months. Patients complained of some crust formation in the nasal cavity, but no cyst relapse or other significant complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A large NPDC protruding into the nasal cavity can be easily and efficiently managed with endoscopic endonasal marsupialization as a substitute for complete enucleation.