RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To review the safety and efficacy of endoscopic drainage of subperiosteal orbital abscesses (SPOAs) secondary to sinusitis and to evaluate risk factors that may be associated with failure. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: All patients admitted to the University of the Virginia Health System with a diagnosis of SPOA between 1992 and 1999 were reviewed. RESULTS: Seven of the 10 SPOAs identified, each located medially, resolved without complication after endoscopic drainage. The remaining three patients required a second drainage. One patient had an inferiorly located SPOA, which recurred laterally after endoscopic drainage. A second pediatric patient, who did not undergo a routine second-look procedure, developed middle turbinate lateralization and synechiae, which led to recurrent SPOAs. A third patient with a significant history of sinusitis was found to have an ethmoid sinus mucocele extending into the medial and posterior orbit. All patients eventually resolved their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic drainage of medial SPOAs appears to be safe and effective. However, several risk factors must be recognized when present. Management of these risk factors is discussed.
