A Modified Lateral Orbitotomy Approach to the Superior Orbital Fissure: A Video Case Report and Review of Anatomy

The lateral orbitotomy approach (LOA) is often used for accessing the orbital contents and middle skull base; however, most prior descriptions of the LOA involve complete drilling of the lateral orbital wall. This practice requires retraction of the orbital contents and produces postoperative diplopia that the patient experiences for a limited time.

To describe a modified LOA with partial sparing of the lateral orbital wall for accessing lesions of the superior orbital fissure (SOF).

One patient with a progressively enlarging SOF lesion and visual loss underwent a modified LOA for resection. The orbital rim lateral to the SOF was removed as a bone flap, and the greater wing of the sphenoid inferior to the SOF was drilled to expose the lesion. The lateral orbital wall was thinned but was not completely removed. The orbital rim was resecured with miniplates and screws.

Gross total resection of the SOF mass was achieved without unnecessary exposure or retraction of the orbital contents. Histopathologic analysis of the resected mass was consistent with a cavernous hemangioma. The patient had a good cosmetic outcome without complication.

Modified LOA with partial sparing of the lateral orbital wall is a feasible approach for lesions of the SOF.