A combined orbital and antral approach to surgical decompression of the orbit.

A combined orbital decompression procedure has been found effective in treating proptosis. The procedure includes a lower eyelid incision by an ophthalmologist to expose the floor of the orbit, while a Caldwell-Luc antrotomy is performed simultaneously by an otolaryngologist. The ophthalmologist has a better view of the contents of the orbit and the anterior orbital floor. The otolaryngologist has better access to the posterior orbital floor and ethmoid sinus. Together, isolation and preservation of the second division of the fifth cranial nerve are facilitated. The headlight worn by each surgeon helps illuminate the other's field of dissection. This combined approach offers advantages over separate operations.