3 - Endoscopic Orbital Surgery: The Neurosurgeon’s Perspective

Abstract

Neurosurgical use of an orbital corridor has greatly advanced with the use of the endoscope. Tools and techniques used with the recent explosion of endonasal approaches is a large reason for this progression. The transorbital approach has proven effective in exposure of anterior and middle cranial fossa lesions with the possibility of exposing posterior fossa lesions through the petrous apex. Transorbital approaches have been used successfully in the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leaks, orbital fractures, frontal sinus fractures, meningoceles, and encephaloceles. In addition, more groups are using these approaches for resection of mass lesions. Transorbital approaches, when combined with other skull base approaches, provide a minimally invasive but full access to lesions without a large cranial approach. Transorbital access remains a large area of interest and growth for skull base surgeons.