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.

Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Twenty children with subperiosteal orbital abscess complicating acute sinusitis. Methods: 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.