Paranasal sinus mucoceles. The Barros Luco-Trudeau experience

Abstract

Introduction: Mucoceles are expansive pseudotumors of the paranasal sinuses and clinical presentations of symptoms are given by expansive growth. Traditional treatment has been open surgical extraction, being shifted in recent decades by endoscopic resection. Aim: To evaluate our experience in diagnosis and treatment of mucoceles. Material and methods: Retrospective chart review of patients treated for mucocele in the Department of Otolaryngology, between 2002 and 2013. Clinical and demographic characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment and recurrence are described. Results: 45 patients with average follow-up of 24.93 months were analyzed. 51.11% were male. The mean age was 49.68 years. 46.6% were fronto-ethmoidal mucoceles (6 in frontal sinus, 6 in ethmoidal sinus and 9 fronto-ethmoidal), the rest in the maxillary sinus, with a latency period of 7.33 months. Most frequent symptoms were ophtalmologic (55.5%) as proptosis and diplopia, while 51.1% of patients had a history of chronic rhinosinusitis. Treatment was by endoscopic resection in 66.22%, 31.1% by open surgery and 6.66% in combined approach. There were 8 recurrent cases, accounting for 17.7% of the series. Discussion: Our series was similar to other published earlier. In recent years, en- doscopic approach is preferred, however, combined external approach or keys remain in handling large mucoceles or to treat recurrences. The late onset of recurrences potentially requires a long follow-up time for these patients. Conclusions: Mucoceles represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and endos- copic management seems a safe alternative in the management of orbital involvement or cranial extension mucoceles.