Microdebrider-assisted endoscopic marsupialization for the nasolabial cyst: Comparisons between sublabial and transnasal approaches

Background: The incidence of nasolabial cysts is very low. Simple excision through a sublabial approach is the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microdebrider as a tool in transnasal endoscopic marsupialization for nasolabial cysts and compare it with conventional instruments and a sublabial approach for cyst removal. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 30 patients (31 cysts) with a mean age of 46.9 years received surgical treatments for nasolabial cysts. We performed three types of surgical procedures including the sublabial approach (10 cysts), conventional transnasal marsupialization (13 cysts), and microdebrider-assisted marsupialization (8 cysts). Results: Patients that received surgery with the sublabial approach experienced significant increases in operation time, blood loss, and hospitalized time compared with those treated with transnasal marsupialization. However, the number of postoperative stoma stenoses was higher for conventional transnasal marsupialization (two cases). No recurrences or other postoperative complications were found during the follow-up. Conclusion: The transnasal marsupialization of nasolabial cysts has remarkable benefits compared with sublabial cyst excision during operation. Microdebriders can be used safely and effectively in endoscopic marsupialization without stoma stenosis.