Combined external and endonasal approach to fronto-ethmoidal mucocele involving the orbit

PURPOSE: To present a technique to improve the surgical treatment of frontal sinus mucocele and its recurrence. METHODS: Nine procedures performed on eight patients by a team of ENT and Ophthalmic orbital surgeons. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical details, pathological findings and complications. The surgical technique involved an external approach via the upper eyelid skin crease combined with an internal approach with a rigid 4 mm endoscope described below. Following evacuation of the mucocele the sinus was anastomosed to nasal cavity with insertion of silicon stent. All patients had preoperative and postoperative CT scans of the orbit and paranasal sinuses. RESULT: There were nine operations on eight patients (six males, two female patients, mean age of 57.25: range, 15–71). Two patients had inverted papillomas. All patients presented with non-axial proptosis and diplopia. The mean follow up period was 38.7 months (range 11–99). The only intraoperative complication noted was a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in a patient with a post traumatic mucocele. Post-operative complications included lid scarring in 2 patients. One of the patients had a fistula overlying the affected sinus at presentation. Both patients underwent dermis fat grafting as a second stage procedure and responded well. One patient presented with asymptomatic superior oblique weakness that could be attributed to trauma to the superior oblique intra operatively. There was no case of recurrence of mucocele in our series. One of the inverted papillomas had an early recurrence (within 6 months) that required repeat surgery. CONCLUSION: Fronto nasal anastomosis restores the anatomy and reduces the chance of recurrence in our experience. The final cosmetic result is excellent and the patient's satisfaction is high.