Validity of the Lateral Supraorbital Approach as a Minimally Invasive Corridor for Orbital Lesions

Abstract

Many approaches were recommended for surgical treatment of orbital lesions via either transorbital or transcranial routes. The frontolateral craniotomy through eyebrow skin incision (lateral supraorbital approach) is a combined cranio-orbital approach that could be used in different orbital lesions. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the lateral supraorbital approach for resection of orbital lesions. Ten patients with different orbital lesions were treated by this minimally invasive technique. The technique is described in details. The postoperative outcome was evaluated with casting light on the specific parameters related to this approach. This study included 6 females and 4 males, ranging in age from 2 years to 65 years with mean age of 37.3 years. Proptosis was the most common presenting complaint. Six patients were operated on via the right supraorbital approach, and 4 patients via the left supraorbital approach. Various pathological lesions were treated. The excision was total in 7 patients, subtotal in 1 patient, and partial in 2 patients. Two patients suffered transient supraorbital hypothesia, 1 patient showed temporary superficial wound infection with CSF leak and 1 patient died within 6 months. The lateral supraorbital approach is a minimally invasive approach that provides excellent exposure of the superior, lateral, and medial orbit, as well as the orbital apex.