Orbital Cellulitis as a Complication of Acute Rhinosinusitis - our Experience with Treatment in Adult Patients

Aim: The study seeks to demonstrate seriousness of orbital cellulitis that, although described by Chandler as an initial stage of orbital complications of rhinosinusitis, can have serious outcome that can be fatal, particularly when it is as sociated with intracranial complications. Material and methods: This retrospective study presents a cohort of patients who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2014. We analysed a group comprising 18 adult patients, five women and 13 men, all aged between 21 and 75 years (median age 50 years). Orbital cellulitis was right-sided in eight patients, left-sided in eight patients and bilateral in two. Results: In total, 24 surgeries were performed. External approach was used in 12 cases (50%), endoscopic approach in one case (4%) and combined approach in 11 cases (46%). Computer-assisted surgery was used in two cases (8%). Complications following surgery: one patient (6%) with decompensated diabetes mellitus and concur rent intracranial complications died and diplopia was permanent in two patients (11%). Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is a severe condition often occuring as a complication of acute rhinosinusitis. Untreated orbital cellulitis is as sociated with high risk complications and can be potentially fatal. Surgical and antibiotic treatment is prefer red to manage orbital cellulitis.