Transnasal endoscopic resection of orbital cavernous hemangiomas: our experience with 23 cases

The aim of this work was to present our single-center experience on orbital cavernous hemangiomas managed using an endonasal endoscopic approach.

The study design used was one-institutional retrospective review. Twenty-three cases of orbital cavernous hemangioma were analyzed and followed up.

There were 10 males and 13 females, with an average age of 46.1 years, included in our study. Seven cases were extraconal, 16 cases were intraconal, and in 10 of the patients the optic nerve was involved and compressed. Total resection of the tumor was achieved in 16 cases; of the remaining 7 cases, partial tumor resection and orbital decompression were conducted, orbital decompression was conducted in 2 cases, and orbital decompression and optic nerve decompression were conducted in 3 cases. Visual acuity in 9 patients improved significantly, as 16 of the 20 patients with a preoperative visual field defect had a smaller defect after surgery.

This study adds to the literature showing that endoscopic transnasal surgery is likely a reasonable option for patients with the orbital cavernous hemangiomas medial of the optic nerve. With greater experience, skilled surgical technique, and careful operation, better clinical efficacy can be achieved.