Endoscopic management of a pediatric nasoethmoidal mucocele with intraorbital extension

Abstract

EnAbstract Objective To evaluate the transnasal endoscopic marsupialization of a pediatric nasoethmoidal mucocele with intraorbital extension in terms of technique, difficulty, and surgical outcome. Design Prospective study. Patients and methods Seven patients presented with a mucocele with intraorbital extension; they ranged in age from 8 to 14 years (average 11 years), and were treated using the transnasal endoscopic approach from March 2008 to March 2010. All patients underwent transnasal endoscopic marsupialization and were monitored clinically, radiologically, and endoscopically for a mean follow-up period of 15.3 months. Results Postoperative nasal examination showed no findings with improved orbital manifestations in all cases. Also, nasal congestion, obstruction, and postnasal discharge disappeared completely. Postoperative computed tomography evaluation indicated a significant improvement on comparison with the preoperative computed tomography score. No major complications were found in the study. Conclusion Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization of a pediatric mucocele with intraorbital extension is a safe technique and can be carried out successfully. Combined intensive medical treatment with surgery is important in a mucocele with an orbital manifestation. Nevertheless, this technique requires good experience with the relevant anatomy in a pediatric age group.