Simple anterior orbitotomy

Abstract

Objective: Simple anterior orbitotomy is one of the popular surgical procedures through the orbital cavity. In this approach no bony orbitotomy is required so very satisfactory cosmetic results should be achieved. The authors of this paper report on three patients with space-occupying lesions in orbital cavity which were operated by anterior orbitotomy techniques without craniotomies.

Methods: Three patients with space-occupying lesions in the orbital cavity underwent a microsurgical procedure with simple anterior orbitotomy.

Results: No bony orbitotomy was used in this technique and the cosmetic results were very satisfactory. Although the surgical area is very narrow, no neurological deficit has appeared after this procedure using microsurgical operative procedures.

Conclusion: Although the orbital cavity is very narrow, multiple neurological important structures occur in this area. Traction of the ocular bulb and optic nerve can be harmful for the patient. Therefore, many the surgeons prefer the transfrontal intracranial approach with superior orbital craniotomy for wide exposure. One of these three cases is a typical example for the simple anterior orbitotomy which is a useful operative approach for patients with solid space-occupying lesions in the superior part of the orbital cavity. Another patient with a hydatid cyst in orbital cavity was operated successfully via a simple anterior orbitotomy. The third patients was 6 years old and shows that the procedure can be used easily in children as well.