Surgical management of paranasal sinus mucoceles: a long-term study of 60 cases

Paranasal sinus mucocele is a benign pseudocystic lesion, which may originate from any of the sinus cavities. Although the diagnosis may be suggested by the clinical presentation, CT is necessary to accurately analyze the regional anatomy and extent of the lesion. MRI is helpful in defining the limited unusual lesions occurring in critical areas. Standard treatment is surgical marsupialization, through endonasal sinus surgery, which offers a conservative, minimally invasive approach, and respects the sinus architecture and natural drainage. Our long-term experience with the endonasal endoscopic approach for the treatment of mucoceles led us to subsequently expand our indications to include most mucoceles, either as the sole approach or associated with an external approach. Comprising the surgical experience of two collaborating universities, this paper describes the indications for the endonasal surgical approach and the long-term postoperative followup.