Complications of surgery for orbital tumors

Orbital tumors represent a small but significant portion of ophthalmologic surgery, and few reports of the associated complications are available. This retrospective review was undertaken to assess the overall complication rate of a large series of orbital tumors, as well as to determine possible risk factors that may guide surgeons in the future. There were 137 orbital tumors managed by a total of 14 surgeons at one hospital during a 7-year period. There was an overall 12.4% complication rate (17/137), affecting only 3 of 97 anterior orbitotomies (3%), but 14 of 40 lateral orbitotomies (35%). The location appeared to be the most significant factor, with the majority of complications associated with intraconal tumors.