Single Port Endoscope-Assisted Excision of Forehead Lesions: An Innovative Way of Improving the Optical Cavity

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 May/Jun;30(3):841-842. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005185.

Abstract

Exophytic lesions involving the face present with an undesirable esthetic deformity and usually necessitate surgical excision. Conventional open excision techniques may lead to scar formation or pigmentation issues postoperatively. Minimally invasive endoscope-assisted surgery will be able to overcome these problems. However, this technique is not widely used because of the limited optical cavity working space, which hinders good visualization. We describe a technique to improve the optical cavity workspace to enable adequate endoscope-assisted surgical excision of forehead lesions in 2 cases. Foley's catheter and ribbon gauze were used in both cases to gain optical cavity workspace. The surgical technique is described in detail. One case had a frontal osteoma, whereas other was a nodular fasciitis of the forehead, confirmed by histology. Postoperative follow-up showed good outcomes at 1 year with no recurrences. Both patients were satisfied with the surgical and cosmetic outcomes. Endoscopic excision of a forehead lesion using the described technique is both safe and reliable. It is an excellent method for excising benign growths over the forehead while being cosmetically acceptable.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Catheters
  • Endoscopy / instrumentation*
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Fasciitis / surgery
  • Female
  • Forehead
  • Humans
  • Osteoma / surgery*