Frontozygomatic approach to intraorbital tumors.

Abstract

We removed 12 intraorbital tumors (5 schwannomas, 3 meningiomas, 2 cavernomas, 1 pleomorphic adenoma, and 1 neuroblastoma) using the frontozygomatic approach. No patients died. Postoperatively, 1 patient developed transient ptosis, and 3 patients had mild enophthalmos. Two patients with a meningioma developed transient worsening of their visual acuity and visual field. The frontozygomatic approach for surgical treatment of intraorbital tumors provides a wide visual field exposing the entire optic nerve. This approach is indicated for large intraorbital tumors, tumors affecting the optic nerve or orbital apex, intraorbital tumors that have extended into the intracranial cavity, and intracranial tumors that have extended into the orbit. The operative procedure for intraorbital tumor is determined by the location of the lesion and by the direction of its growth. The procedure is applicable to all intraorbital tumors. It reduces discomfort for surgeons while providing a relatively wide surgical field.