The place of endoscopic sinus surgery in the treatment of paranasal sinus mucocoeles.

Mucocoeles of the paranasal sinuses often enlarge slowly resulting in local bone erosion with subsequent extension into the adjacent orbit or intracranial space. We have reviewed the management of 59 patients with 68 mucocoeles. The variety of presentations is examined and discussed. Although diplopia has previously been stated as a very common finding we have found this not to be the case and believe that it may be that previous reports originate from ophthalmology centres. Forty-four patients underwent endoscopic surgical management of their mucocoeles, nine had a combined external and endoscopic procedure and 14 patients had an external approach. One patient needed no surgery. The mean follow-up period was 6 years 3 months. There was the lowest number of recurrences in the endoscopic surgical group. We emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up.