A minimally invasive, combined approach to the recurrent/recalcitrant sino-orbital mucocele

To evaluate the results of a minimally invasive combined endoscopic and eyelid crease/medial suprabrow incision approach in collaboration with oculoplastic and sinus surgeons for the treatment of recurrent/recalcitrant sino-orbital mucoceles.

Eighteen cases of recurrent/recalcitrant sino-orbital mucoceles, treated in collaboration with oculoplastic and sinus surgeons at the University of Michigan, were retrospectively reviewed. The recurrence of mucocele, reduction in proptosis, and complications were evaluated.

The mean age at the time of surgery was 49 years (range: 17-76 years). All cases had a history of previous sinus or orbital surgeries for mucoceles. Among 18 cases, eight were due to chronic sinus infections, six due to trauma, three due to Schneiderian papilloma, and one case was secondary to an inflammatory sinus disease. Thirteen cases (72%) presented with orbital or facial cellulitis, while five cases (38%) experienced periocular swelling and limited extraocular motility. Following a mean follow-up of 19 months (range: 1-76 months)), recurrence was observed in two cases (11%): one in a cystic fibrosis patient with chronic sinusitis, and the other in a case of Schneiderian papilloma. The mean pre-operative proptosis in the affected eye was 2.78 mm, with an average decrease of 2.33 mm after surgery. Complications occurred in two cases, including one case of hypoesthesia in the forehead and one case of post-operative strabismus.

Our series of 18 cases of recurrent/recalcitrant mucoceles, with only two cases of recurrence, demonstrates that this minimally invasive approach can be successfully employed for advanced sino-orbital disease, with a low rate of adverse outcomes and aesthetically pleasing results.