Surgical management, outcomes, and recurrence rate of orbital lymphangiomas

Orbital lymphangiomas are rare benign vascular lesions of the orbit. Due to their intimate relationship to the orbital contents, gross total resection can be difficult, resulting in a relatively high recurrence rate. Between May 2002 and June 2013, eight patients (five male, three female) underwent surgical resection for orbital lymphangiomas at our institution. Of the seven patients with follow-up, six experienced improvement in presenting symptoms at a mean of 5.3 years (range 1-23 years). Recurrence was seen in five of the seven patients (71.4%). Recurrence developed at a mean of 7.2 years (range 1-23 years) after the initial procedure. New or worsening cranial nerve deficits were seen postoperatively in three of eight patients (37.5%) with follow-up. All postoperative deficits were resolved at last follow-up. Orbital lymphangiomas are challenging surgical lesions in which gross total resection is frequently not possible. Subtotal resection is safe and effective for symptomatic relief.