Single-port endoscope-assisted resection of forehead osteoma

Abstract

Background/Introduction Endoscope-assisted resection of forehead osteoma is a well-established procedure with the advantages of improved safety, accessibility, and visualization of the mass, avoidance of visible scarring or pigmentation on the forehead, and reduced risk of bleeding, hematoma formation, nerve injury, or paresthesia. The potential drawbacks are alopecia on the scalp incision sites and injury of the deep supraorbital nerve branch. Purpose/Aim This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a single scalp access point to remove forehead osteomata. Methods From 2003 to 2008, 13 patients diagnosed with forehead osteoma were retrieved from the pathology database of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Ten of the 13 patients underwent endoscope-assisted resection of the osteoma with a single scalp incision. Retrospective data collection and chart reviews were performed. Results The mean age of patients undergoing the operation was 49 years. The mean size of the osteoma was 13.5 mm and the mean operative time was 27 minutes (25–30 minutes). No complications such as hematoma, alopecia, nerve injury, or infection were identified and the patients were satisfied with the esthetic results. Mean follow-up duration was 76.3 months (63–122 months). Conclusion Removal of forehead osteoma from a single remote access with the aid of endoscopy is a safe and effective alternative. It can achieve the same esthetic and therapeutic results as the conventional two- or three-port approach without increasing the operative time or morbidities.