A transnasal microscopic approach for nasolabial cyst extirpation

Objectives: sublabial approach and lateral rhinotomy have been widely used in the past for nasolabial cysts, but are accompanied by various complications. For this reason, we designed a less invasive, safer and more effective procedure for thorough transnasal extirpation of cystic lesions under microsope. Between 1995 and 1999, 11 patients were treated with the new method. Patients and Methods: All procedures were performed using local anesthesia. Under microscope, the operative field was clear and the cyst could be easily separated from surrounding tissue by bimanual manipulation. The cyst was removed as a whole in all 11 patients. Results: There were none of the cosmetic problems associated with traditional approaches and tissue damage was minimal. Nasoendoscopy showed normal epithelialization without pus accumulation at the operative site four to six weeks after surgery. Conclusion: We feel that the transnasal microscopic method described is a useful alternative to traditional approaches.