Resection of orbital apex tumours in the medial orbit via four-handed endonasal and transcaruncular approaches

Abstract

Purpose To report the surgical outcomes of 4-handed endoscopic and transcaruncular approaches for orbital apex tumours located in the medial orbit. Methods This retrospective, observational study included 6 patients (2 males and 4 females; 3 right and 3 left; mean age, 49.5 years; age range, 38-60 years) who underwent excision of an orbital apex tumour in the medial orbit via 4-handed endonasal and transcaruncular approaches. Data on age, sex, affected side, surgical record and complications, and results of pathological examinations, imaging studies, and ophthalmologic examinations were collected. Results Tumours pathologically corresponded to a cavernous haemangioma in 5 cases and a schwannoma in 1 case. The cavernous haemangioma was completely removed in all cases, while the schwannoma was only debulked because the tumour attached to the surrounding tissues. The medial orbital wall was reconstructed simultaneously in 1 case and 8 days after tumour resection in 1 case. Postoperatively, the visual acuity improved or was maintained in all patients. One patient without medial orbital wall reconstruction showed significant enophthalmos on the affected side after surgery. Another patient without medial orbital wall reconstruction did not obtain binocular single vision field in any direction of gaze after surgery due to severe esotropia. Conclusions This report indicates that 4-handed endoscopic and transcaruncular approaches are useful for removal of an orbital apex tumour located in the medial orbit. Medial orbital wall reconstruction after tumour resection may be a better option for reducing the risk of postoperative enophthalmos and esotropia.