[Dermoid cysts of the orbit spreading into the cranial cavity]

Operations were performed through a transcranial approach on 12 patients with dermoid cysts of the orbit spreading into the cranial cavity. All patient had a defect in the orbital roof which extended to the lateral wall in 8 patients. The capsule of the cyst was connected with the dura mater and the orbital periosteum with adhesions. With the use of an operative microscope or operative magnifying glass and microsurgical instruments the dermoid cysts were removed without injuring the dura mater and orbital periosteum and good functional and cosmetic results were produced.