Abstract
BACKGROUND: Frontal lipomas are commonly excised through an overlying incision. Endoscopic techniques can be used to remove the lesions for a cosmetic outcome. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic removal of frontal lipomas and summarize the associated experiences. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with forehead lipomas were included in the retrospective study. Fifty-six patients underwent endoscopic surgery (endoscopic excision group), while twenty-seven patients underwent direct excision (direct excision group). Patients characteristics including age, gender, tumor locations and sizes were collected. Additionally, surgery duration, surgery costs, hospital costs, satisfaction with the procedure, complications and follow-up were also evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in endoscopic excision group were younger than those in direct excision group. Additionally, the average surgery duration in endoscopic excision group was longer compared to that in direct excision group. Patients in endoscopic excision group were more satisfied with smoothness of appearance and were more than willing to recommend endoscopic surgery to others. There was no significant difference in satisfaction regarding pain or discomfort control and hospitalization costs between the two groups. No complications such as wound infection, poor wound healing, forehead scars and recurrence were observed in endoscopic excision group. No noticeable scars were left on the forehead in the endoscopic excision group compared to the direct excision group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic excision is a safe and minimally invasive approach for forehead lipomas. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .