The transcaruncular approach to the medial orbital wall

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the safety and use of the transcaruncular approach as a surgical technique that provides rapid exposure of the medial orbital wall and apex through a small cosmetic conjunctival incision.

Methods: The transcaruncular anterior orbitotomy incision is made through the conjunctiva, between the plica and caruncle, with dissection to a subperiorbital plane along the medial orbital wall. This technique was used in 49 patients (58 orbits) between July 1995 and December 2000. The patients' ages ranged from 5 to 89 years (mean, 50 y).

Results: The transcaruncular anterior orbitotomy approach provided appropriate surgical exposure in all cases of orbital decompression for thyroid-related orbitopathy (in 33 orbits [26 patients]); for biopsy of medial orbital or orbital apex masses in 12 patients; and for drainage of an orbital abscess or marsupialization of a mucocele in 7 orbits (6 patients). Five patients (6 orbits) underwent a transcaruncular approach for release of medial rectus entrapment after fracture. The single complication was 1 patient who required a revision procedure for treatment of medial fornix scarring with resolution of diplopia.

Conclusions: The transcaruncular approach provides a safe, rapid, and cosmetically pleasing surgical approach to the medial orbital wall and orbital apex. This technique can be used for a variety of indications.