Endoscopic endonasal management of recurrent maxillary mucoceles using biliary T-tube stenting

Mucoceles of the paranasal sinus can be managed endoscopically with an extremely low recurrence rate. Frontal sinus mucoceles can sometimes be prevented from closing and reforming by stenting, which to the best of our knowledge has not yet been reported in the maxillary sinus. We describe the cases of 5 patients-3 men and 2 women, aged 47 to 75 years (mean: 59.6)-with a recurrent and intractable maxillary sinus mucocele that was managed with biliary T-tube stenting. The indications for stenting included recurrent episodes of mucocele with or without a lateral location with a relatively thick bony wall. A latex rubber pediatric biliary T-tube was endoscopically inserted through a window opening into the marsupialized mucocele. The stent was removed 6 to 14 months postoperatively in 4 cases; in the other case, the stent remained adequately positioned for 35 months. None of the patients experienced signs or symptoms of recurrence. We conclude that a T-tube stent can be used successfully to maintain long-term patency in patients with a recurrent and intractable maxillary mucocele, with patency being maintained even after removal of the stent.