A neurosurgical perspective to approaches to the orbit: A cadaveric study

Abstract

Neurosurgeons are getting increasingly involved in surgery for orbital tumours. The various approaches to the orbit can be challenging. The authors have demonstrated on cadavers the various approaches to the orbit which are required to be mastered by the neurosurgeon. The superior approaches which include the transcranial, supraorbital and the hybrid approaches are the most commonly utilized surgical approaches by the neurosurgeon for excision of orbital pathologies. The lateral orbitotomy is an elegant approach for excision of the tumours lateral to the optic Nerve and lacrimal gland tumours. The authors also demonstrate the medial approach through a medial orbitotomy which is a relatively unfamiliar approach to neurosurgeons. The importance of the various landmarks in each approach is emphasised along with the methods to minimize complications. It is imperative that neurosurgeons are intimately familiar with the microsurgical anatomy of the orbit and the various approaches to it.