Orbital complications of sinus disease

Orbital complications of sinus disease continue to appear in clinical practice. A clear appraisal of the situation requires identification of the offending sinus area, the pathogenic bacterial agent, and the appropriate choice of drug therapy. A classification which defines the degree of orbital extension is valuable therapeutically and prognostically. In the diseased child the program is usually successful, employing medical means alone and suggest early diagnosis and aggressive therapy. The adult is less competently managed and often requires adequate drainage procedures. This fact relates to obstructive anatomical structures or systemic diseases. The bacteriologic studies are presented as well as predisposing factors toward the development of complications. Finally, there is a brief review of the guidelines for surgery and the drainage procedures.