[Ophthalmological and interdisciplinary surgical approaches to the orbit]

The treatment of orbital masses often requires an interdisciplinary approach. Ophthalmological surgical approaches include the anterior transcutaneous approach for removal of dermoids or taking biopsies. Anterior transconjunctival orbitotomy is suitable for masses of the inferior orbit or the intraconal compartment, but is inappropriate for masses of the orbital apex. The lateral transosseous orbitotomy often fits for masses of the lateral or intraconal compartment, especially for neoplasms of the lacrimal gland e.g. pleomorphic adenoma. Cryoextraction is often the technique of first choice for cavernous haemangiomas of all localisations. Transfrontal approaches are suitable for the resection of tumours of the optic nerve and of the orbital apex.