Orbital Abscess Surgical Approach

 

  • Orbital cellulitis is usually a complication of paranasal sinus infection.
  • Either the infection might dissect under the periosteum and lead to subperiosteal abscess (SPA) or intraorbital abscess might be formed secondary to a progressive and localized cellulitis.

Image of an orbital abscess with a detailed illustration showing the affected area and corresponding text annotations.

  • Without appropriate tre atment orbital infection might lead to serious complications, even death.
  • Prompt treatment is mandatory to avoid visual loss or intracranial complications. Initially, IV antibiotics might be administered, but if no improvement appears within 48h, surgical drainage of the orbit and the affected sinuses must be performed.
  • In medial or medial-inferior SPA a transnasal approach is used, but in superior orbital abscess an external incision is required.