Periorbital paraffingranuloma following paranasal sinus surgery

Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the eyelid: unusual complication following nasal packing in endoscopic sinus surgery

An eyelid or orbital lipogranuloma can occur following nasal packing with liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly or an antibiotic-based cream. It usually presents a few weeks or months after the initial procedure. We present a report of three such cases of sclerosing lipogranuloma involving the eyelid, which occurred following a sinonasal surgery where nasal packing using petroleum jelly was performed. The typical clinical course and the classical histopathological features are highlighted. All cases were diagnosed by histopathological examination as sclerosing lipogranuloma. Complete surgical removal resulted in complete resolution on 1 month follow-up. The diagnosis is based on a high degree of suspicion following a detailed history of prior use of lipid-based products for nasal packing following endonasal surgery. Histopathology is diagnostic. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, however, due to its infiltrative nature, it may be difficult to obtain a complete cure.

Packing in endonasal surgery

Nasal packing is used to control bleeding in epistaxis and after endonasal surgery, for internal stabilization, and to prevent synechiae or restenosis, particularly after surgery. Generally accepted standards regarding the materials that should be used for packing, how long the packing should be left in place, or the indications for nasal packing are lacking. In view of the present lack of standardization and the many different packing materials used, we review the currently available materials and outline their respective properties, indications, and risks.