INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are slow-growing, benign lesions found in the paranasal sinuses that are locally destructive, causing bony resorption an displacement of adjacent structures. We present our experience in the surgical treatment of these lesions. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 58 paranasal sinus mucoceles in 54 patients between 1989 and 2012. We describe patient age and sex, mucocele location, clinical features, surgical approaches employed, recurrence and complications. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in this series was 59 years; there were 31 males (57%) and 23 females (43%). Thirty-two cases (55%) were located in the frontal or ethmoid-frontal system, 8 (14%) in the ethmoid sinus, 14 (24%) in the maxillary sinus and 4 (7%) in sphenoid sinus. Predisposing factors were present in 55% of the patients and 45% cases were primary. Endoscopic treatment was given to 71% of mucocele patients, while 29% were treated with external or combined approaches. Recurrence appeared in 4 patients (7%), 2 in the endoscopic surgery group and 2 in the external surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure of choice for management of paranasal sinus mucoceles is endoscopic drainage. It is a safe approach that gives good results.
INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are slow-growing, benign lesions found in the paranasal sinuses that are locally destructive, causing bony resorption an displacement of adjacent structures. We present our experience in the surgical treatment of these lesions. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 58 paranasal sinus mucoceles in 54 patients between 1989 and 2012. We describe patient age and sex, mucocele location, clinical features, surgical approaches employed, recurrence and complications. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in this series was 59 years; there were 31 males (57%) and 23 females (43%). Thirty-two cases (55%) were located in the frontal or ethmoid-frontal system, 8 (14%) in the ethmoid sinus, 14 (24%) in the maxillary sinus and 4 (7%) in sphenoid sinus. Predisposing factors were present in 55% of the patients and 45% cases were primary. Endoscopic treatment was given to 71% of mucocele patients, while 29% were treated with external or combined approaches. Recurrence appeared in 4 patients (7%), 2 in the endoscopic surgery group and 2 in the external surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure of choice for management of paranasal sinus mucoceles is endoscopic drainage. It is a safe approach that gives good results.