Paranasal sinus mucoceles with skull-base and/or orbital erosion: is the endoscopic approach sufficient?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the management of paranasal sinus mucoceles with skull-base and/or orbital erosion in the endoscopic era.

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective data analysis.

METHODS

A chart review was performed on 57 patients treated from January 2001 to March 2007.

RESULTS

The average age at the time of presentation was 50.6 years with a 1:1 male: female ratio. The most common site was the frontal sinus (54.4%), followed by frontoethmoid (29.8%) and sphenoid (8.8%). Areas of erosion included skull base (40.4%), orbit (50.9%), and both orbit and skull base (8.8%). Endoscopic drainage using image guidance was used in all 57 patients without complications. Fifty-six cases (98.2%) had a functionally patent mucocele opening with a median follow-up of 15 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic approach can be safely used for the management of mucoceles with skull-base and/or orbital erosion. Open adjunct approaches can be avoided in most cases.