Endoscopic trans(naso)orbital management of supraorbital mucoceles with biliary T‐tube stenting

Abstract

The objective of this article is to describe our surgical technique for accessing orbital and supraorbital ethmoid sinus mucoceles and the novel application of a biliary T-tube to stent and redirect mucociliary flow into the frontal recess. We describe in technical terms our surgical approach and the use of an 8-Fr pediatric biliary T-tube as a paranasal sinus stent with demonstrative case reports. Four patients have been successfully managed employing the endoscopic trans(naso)orbital approach to access and marsupialize supraorbital and superiorly located orbital mucoceles without egress to the frontal recess. Patency of drainage was maintained by utilizing a flexible, pediatric, biliary T-tube that is inserted via an above (trephination) and below (endoscopic) approach in three patients, and without the need for stenting in one patient (median follow-up, 14.5 months). The presented surgical strategy is safe and effective in accessing and maintaining long-term patency of problematic supraorbital and superiorly located intraorbital mucoceles without communication to the frontal recess.