Orbital Abscess Drainage Using Intravenous Cannula: Technique and Advantages

Abstract

The orbital infections are known to be the most frequent primitive orbital pathology. Rhinosinusitis (RS) is the most common cause of orbital inflammation and infection, especially in the pediatric range. So far, the main orbital complication of RS is the preseptal cellulitis. The dissemination of the infection in the orbital retroseptal area may occur and is considered to be a serious complication requiring urgent diagnosis and treatment. It is usually seen as an orbital (OSPA) subperiosteal abscess adjacent to the infected sinus. The diagnosis of an OSPA is based on clinical evaluation as well as X-ray imaging. The CT scan is the preferred imaging modality for orbital abscess diagnosis.  In most cases of OSPA, the surgery is often indicated and can be conducted by an external method, transnasal endoscopy or a combined method.   In this article, we describe the technique of external drainage using an intravenous cannula (case report of 10 patients) as well as the results obtained.