Balloon sinuplasty for an acute frontal sinus mucocele

Traditional management of mucoceles involve drainage using Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and if required an external approach. These techniques may dramatically alter the normal anatomy and function of the sinuses and are associated with significant complications. Balloon dilatation of the sinus ostia is a minimally invasive technique that has been licensed for use in chronic sinusitis. We report the use of this novel technique in the management of a frontal sinus mucocele in a 47-year old female. The frontal sinus was successfully cannulated, dilated and drained. The patient made a good post-operative recovery and remained asymptomatic at 6 months. We believe this to be a safe and effective technique for the management of mucoceles in the acute phase.