[Frontal mucoceles of orbital or cerebral extension: therapeutic strategy]

The aim of this study was to investigate ten patients who underwent surgery for mucoceles of the frontal sinus. Bicoronal direct access was required by the localization of the mucocele limited to the frontal sinuses, its extension to the orbit and/or the brain and because of the anatomy of the frontal sinuses (large size, lateral horn...) as evidenced at imaging. Direct access to the frontal sinuses was achieved in 9 patients allowing marsupialization associated with repermeabilization of the naso-frontal duct (7 cases) or exeresis of the mucocele by cranialization (2 cases). Mean follow-up is 27 months. Repermeabilization of the naso-frontal duct was effective in 7 out of 8 cases. There were no complications after cranialization and no recurrence has been observed. Drainage of frontal mucoceles is a first intention strategy. In case of complication or recurrence, cranialization of the frontal sinuses would appear to be better than an exclusion-filling procedure.