Two- versus four-handed techniques for endonasal resection of orbital apex tumors

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Intraconal Orbital Tumors: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

BACKGROUND

Lesions involving the intraconal space of the orbit are rare and challenging to manage. Operative techniques and outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to tumors in the medial intraconal space (MIS) remain poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

We present our experience with a wide range of isolated intraconal pathology managed via an EEA.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all cases (2014-2021) performed by a single skull base team in which the EEA was employed for the management of an intraconal orbital lesion.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (13 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 59 years (range, 40-89 years) were included. All lesions were isolated to the MIS, pathology addressed included: cavernous hemangioma (6), schwannoma (4), lymphoma (4), inflammatory pseudotumor (2), chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (2), and metastatic disease (2). Either a biopsy (10/20) or a complete resection (10/20) was performed. In all cases, the MIS was accessed via an endonasal corridor between the medial and inferior rectus muscles. Retraction and safe, intra-orbital dissection of the lesion was performed using a two-surgeon, multi-handed technique. Gross total resection of benign lesions was achieved in 90% (9/10) of cases; a pathologic diagnosis was achieved in 100% (10/10) of biopsy cases. No orbital reconstruction was required. Visual acuity returned to normal in 80% (8/10) of planned resection cases and postoperative diplopia resolved by 3 months in 90%. Mean follow-up was 15 months.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the EEA is safe and effective for accessing lesions in the MIS. This technique affords very favorable outcomes with minimal postoperative morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 134:47-55, 2024.

Endoscopic approaches to orbital lesions: case series and systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of orbital lesions is challenging because complex approaches with a high risk of postoperative sequelae are required. Recently, minimally invasive endoscopic approaches through endonasal (EEA) and transpalpebral (ETP) routes have been proposed. The objective of this study was to assess outcomes of EEA and ETP in the authors' series of patients with orbital lesions.

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent operations for an orbital tumor through an endoscopic approach at the authors' institution from 2002 to 2018 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and ophthalmological evaluation, which was repeated 3 months after surgery and then at regular follow-up intervals. A systematic review of the literature was also performed using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

The series includes 23 patients (14 males); the mean patient age was 48 ± 23.9 years. Most of the lesions were intraconal (n = 19, 83%). The more frequent histotype was cavernous hemangioma (n = 5, 22%). Exophthalmos was the most common symptom (21 of 23 patients). EEA was performed in 16 cases (70%) and ETP in 7 (30%). The aim of the surgery was achieved in 94% of the cases after an EEA (successful biopsy in 5 of 6 cases and radical resection in all 10 remaining patients), and in 86% after an ETP (successful biopsy in 2 cases and radical tumor resection in 4 of 5 cases). Complications consisted of 3 cases (13%) of transitory diplopia. One recurrence (4%) was observed at follow-up (mean 59 ± 55 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The EEA and ETP have demonstrated to be safe and effective for tumors located respectively in medial and lateral quadrants, permitting one to approach orbital lesions endoscopically at 360°. Innovative surgical tools, including intraoperative ultrasonography, may be useful to potentially reduce surgical morbidity. Larger series are needed to validate these preliminary suggestions.

Relationship of the Optic Nerve to the Medial Rectus Muscle During Endonasal Dissection of the Medial Intraconal Orbital Apex

BACKGROUND

Few studies have established surgical landmarks for endoscopic endonasal dissection of the intraconal orbital apex (OA).

OBJECTIVE

We describe the optic nerve (ON) anatomy and its relationships, as seen during a fully endoscopic, endonasal approach to the medial intraconal OA.

METHODS

The study question was approached through a cadaver dissection and a radiographic study. Four formalin-fixed, latex-injected cadaver heads were dissected using transnasal endoscopic techniques. Dissection was performed using 0 degree and 30 degree nasal endoscopes and standard endoscopic sinus surgical instrumentation. A bi-nostril 4-handed technique was used. The anatomy of 8 medial OAs was evaluated and recorded. As the radiographic portion, 100 consecutively enrolled patient magnetic resonance images were evaluated, with particular attention given to the relationship of the ON to the medial rectus muscle (MRM) in 200 orbits.

RESULTS

Intraconally, the ON consistently coursed along the superior half of the MRM. Interestingly, the nerve was more easily identified from a superior approach after retracting the MRM inferiorly. With the identification of the nerve at the OA, carrying the dissection of the medial OA was easily accomplished with the ON as the guiding landmark. The radiographic portion of this study revealed a consistent relationship between the superior edge of the ON and the MRM. This relationship was maintained in the orbital apex in 98.4%-100% of the orbits examined.

CONCLUSION

The superior edge of the optic nerve is consistently found coursing along the superior half of the MRM, facilitating facile identification and further dissection navigation.

Transnasal endoscopic resection of pediatric orbital cyst: "How I do it"

BACKGROUND

An orbital cystic lesion is a common orbital disease and has classically been approached via external incision. The introduction of endoscopic surgery has revolutionized the management of sinus and skull base disorders. Similarly, endoscopic techniques have been increasingly used to access intraorbital lesions with excellent outcomes, especially in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

We described, in detail, the surgical technique of the endoscopic approach to treat a pediatric orbital cyst.

RESULTS

The cyst was completely resected, and the patient quickly recovered without any complication.

CONCLUSION

The transnasal endoscopic surgical approach can be safe and effective for pediatric patients with orbital lesions. Use of this approach is based on the surgeon's experience and progressive instrumentation.