76-Year-Old Regains Vision After Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery at Wockhardt Hospital

Mumbai: Doctors at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, successfully treated a 76-year-old woman who was on the verge of losing her vision due to a rare sinus condition known as sphenoid sinus mucocele — a disease that accounts for less than two percent of all sinus disorders worldwide.

The patient came to the hospital with sudden drooping of her left eyelid and a heavy sensation in her head. While these symptoms typically suggest a neurological issue such as a stroke or nerve palsy, detailed MRI and CT scans revealed a mucus-filled cyst lodged deep within the sphenoid sinus, a cavity located at the base of the skull.

The growth was pressing on the optic nerves and cavernous sinus, both of which are essential for vision and brain function. 

“If untreated, a sphenoid sinus mucocele can cause permanent vision loss or even severe brain complications,” explained Dr Chandraveer Singh, Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Head & Neck Oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, who led the treatment.

Dr Singh and his team performed a **minimally invasive endoscopic trans nasal surgery , accessing the cyst through the nasal passage to avoid external incisions and reduce surgical risks. The mucocele was drained successfully, and within 24 hours, the patient began to regain movement in her eyelid.

She was discharged in stable condition three days later. Sphenoid sinus mucoceles are extremely rare and complex due to their proximity to vital structures such as the optic nerves, carotid arteries, and cavernous sinus. Even though they are benign, such cysts can quickly become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Globally, only a few cases involving compression of the cavernous sinus have been recorded. Dr Singh emphasized that sinus issues should never be ignored.

 “Persistent headaches, drooping of the eyelid, or unexplained neurological symptoms must be investigated immediately. Early diagnosis is crucial, as advanced endoscopic techniques now allow these conditions to be managed safely and effectively,” he said.

The case underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and specialized surgical care in managing rare sinus conditions that could otherwise lead to severe complications.