Frontal sinus stenting: A feasible option for post-traumatic recurrent giant mucocele compromising vision

Giant mucocele of frontal sinus following facial trauma is not uncommon. It can lead to the gradual erosion of anterior and posterior bony walls and may extend to the orbital and intracranial structures leading to visual compromise or intracranial complications. A 52-year-old man presented with a history of swelling above the right eye, right eye proptosis, and decreased vision. He had a history of a road traffic accident 30 years ago following which he had lost vision in his left eye and had undergone surgery twice earlier for right frontal mucocele. Computed tomography showed cranialization of the right frontal sinus and a well-defined mass lesion in the region of frontal sinus compressing on the right eye globe. Naso-orbital meningoencephalocele was considered as a differential but magnetic imaging resonance confirmed the lesion as a mucocele. As this was the second recurrence and there was an endangered vision in the only functional eye, he underwent emergency excision of mucocele and recreation of the frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT) with silastic stenting to maintain its patency. Post-operatively, the patient's vision returned to normal at a 1-week interval. There was a reduction in swelling and proptosis in a 6-month period and the stent was removed after 1 year. Treatment of recurrent frontal sinus mucocele can be challenging. Frontal sinus stenting can be considered in such cases to maintain the patency of FSOT for a prolonged period. Regular follow-up, inspection, and cleaning of the nasal cavity and the stented area are important to prevent any stent-related complications.