[Endoscopic treatment of orbital cellulitis in pediatric patients: transethmoidal approach].

Orbital cellulitis is a septic process of the soft tissues behind the orbital septum and is the most frequent cause of the monolateral exophthalmos in pediatrics. Approximately 90% of the orbital cellulitis in pediatrics are associated to acute ethmoiditis. From the 01.01.2001 to 31.12.2010 we treated 36 patients, less than 18 years-old affected by Chandler stage II, III, or IV orbital cellulitis. The inflammation was resolved medically in 6 patients. In the 30 cases that showed no improvement in 48-72 h, an endoscopic drainage of the pus was performed by the transethmoidal route. In children, an adenoidectomy should be included, in order to eliminate eventual infections of this lymphatic organ. Endoscopic treatment has resulted in rapid resolution of disease without any complications. In addition, postoperative discomfort is minimal, with a rapid return to daily activities.