Postero-lateral microsurgical approach to orbital tumors

A modification of the lateral orbitotomy is reported for the microsurgical approach to tumors located in the posterior intraconal space. The orbital apex is entered through a small bone opening on the orbital and temporal portions of the greater wing of the sphenoid, with the lesser sphenoidal wing, the orbital plate of the frontal bone, and the lateral orbital rim being left intact. This surgical technique was employed in 8 cases of pure apical tumors, out of a consecutive series of 103 orbital growths. It proved to be reliable with regard to either adequate exposure and radical excision of the lesions or low rate of operative morbility.