title: Transcaruncular approach for the management of frontoethmoid mucoceles.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present transcaruncular medial orbitotomy as the preferred approach to manage frontoethmoid mucoceles.
  
  
  METHODS
  11 patients with frontoethmoid mucoceles received transcaruncular orbitotomy from 2000 to 2002 at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The incision was made through the caruncle to explore the medial wall periosteum. Then the periosteum was opened and extended to provide adequate surgical field exposure. Frontoethmoid mucoceles could be viewed and removed directly. A transnasal drainage tube was inserted before closure of the caruncle wound.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow up period was 12 (SD 9.1) months (range 1-26). Both functional recovery and cosmetic outcome were excellent. There was no recurrence of mucoceles. One patient complained of diplopia, which subsided after 2 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transcaruncular orbitotomy provides a wide exposure and a safe access to the medial orbital extraperiosteal space. Furthermore, there is less damage to skin and muscle layer and less manipulation of other ocular adnexal structures, such as medial canthal tendon and lacrimal sac. It can be an excellent approach for the management of frontoethmoid mucoceles.
authors.affiliation: Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: P-C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: S-L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: J-R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Jou
authors.forename: P-K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Hou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005005:Ethmoid Sinus; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005626:Frontal Sinus; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009078:Mucocele / Q000601:surgery*; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D010254:Paranasal Sinus Diseases / Q000601:surgery*