Abstract
We evaluated the treatment of frontal mucocele using a computer-aided endoscopic approach.
The 21 subjects involved 27 sides operated on. Using an electromagnetic tracking (InstaTrakTM Visualization Technology) and an optical tracking (LandmarX Xomed), we accurately identified mucocele position, range, the site to be opened, and risk areas. Except of 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, no complications occurred, and surgery was safe, especially in the following situations : 1) previous surgery with anatomical distortion and no landmarks in the nasal cavity, 2) frontal sinus cyst with bony wall formation, 3) laterally located cysts, and 4) multiple cysts. The computer-aided system was useful and valuable. In follow-up from 5 months to 42 months, 18 (66.7%) sides had a large patency. Compared to previous studies, we consider results good. Bone exposure during surgery was, however, related to a poor postoperative result, as we observed in 9 (33%) sides with restenosis and obstruction of the opened ostium.
