Minimal endoscopic approach to subperiosteal orbital abscess.

OBJECTIVE

To limit endoscopic abscess drainage to the opening of the ethmoid cells involved, adjacent to the subperiosteal orbital abscess.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

PATIENTS: Twenty children with subperiosteal orbital abscess complicating acute sinusitis.

INTERVENTION: Endoscopic opening of the medial wall of the bulla ethmoidalis and of the lamina papyracea.

RESULTS

The limited endoscopic approach allowed subperiosteal orbital abscess drainage in all patients with positive clinical outcomes. Extensive ethmoidectomy was not necessary to achieve drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic subperiosteal orbital abscess drainage does not require complete ethmoidectomy as was previously performed and can be limited to the opening of the bulla ethmoidalis and the lamina papyracea through the bulla ethmoidalis.