Orbital Fat Exposure during Sinus Surgery

Running Time: 0:35

Indications:

• Most often occurs when removing uncinate process or ethmoid cells along the medial orbital wall

Highlights:

• Blood-stained orbital fat can be easily mistaken for mucosa or polyps 
• Palpation of the globe is a sensitive indicator of orbital penetration
• Such palpation will usually result in movement or protrusion of fat along the medial orbital wall

Keep in Mind:

• Orbital fat exposed during sinus surgery does not need to be replaced, nor does the bony orbital defect need to be repaired 
• If fat is exposed, periorbital ecchymosis is more likely to occur following surgery