Lateral microsurgical approach to intraorbital tumors.

The authors describe their microsurgical lateral orbital approach to intraorbital tumors. In seven patients ultrasonic scanning, computerized axial tomography, polytomography, orbital venography, and arteriography have allowed precise intraorbital tumor localization relative to the optic nerve. The authors believe that circumscribed tumors superior, lateral, or inferior to the optic nerve can be safely and completely removed through a 30-35-mm lateral skin incision with microsurgical dissecting techniques. A combined neurosurgical-ophthalmological team approach is emphasized.