Paolo Castelnuovo1, Alberto D Arosio2, Luca Volpi1, Federico De Maria1, Arianna Ravasio3, Simone Donati3, Claudio Azzolini3, Iacopo Dallan4, Maurizio Bignami1, Davide Locatelli5. 1. Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Head and Neck Surgery & Forensic Dissection Research Centre (HNS&FDRc), Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. 2. Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Head and Neck Surgery & Forensic Dissection Research Centre (HNS&FDRc), Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. Electronic address: albertodaniele.arosio@gmail.com. 3. Unit of Opthamology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. 4. First ENT Unit, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Emergency Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. 5. Head and Neck Surgery & Forensic Dissection Research Centre (HNS&FDRc), Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria-Varese, ASST Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cryoprobe devices are used by ophthalmic and orbital surgeons for extraction of fluid-filled intraorbital lesions. No series has described cryodissection via an exclusively transnasal approach. We describe 2 cases of purely endoscopic transnasal removal of intraconal orbital hemangiomas with the aid of a dedicated cryoprobe. METHODS: All transnasal endoscopic intraorbital procedures were collected and analyzed. In cases in which intraorbital dissection was performed with the use of an Optikon Cryo-line probe, clinical features, histology, size and location of the lesion, early and late complications, surgical procedure time, and hospital length of stay were analyzed. Patient follow-up included endoscopic endonasal evaluations performed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery and ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluations performed 2 days and 2 months after surgery. RESULTS: Two transnasal intraorbital endoscopic procedures with the aid of the dedicated Cryo-line probe were collected. Lesions were located in the intraconal space, medial to the optic nerve. In both patients, the histologic evaluation was compatible with cavernous hemangioma, and complete resection was obtained. Mean hospital stay was 5.5 days. Postoperative ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluations performed 2 months postoperatively revealed complete resolution of preoperative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoprobes represent an adjunctive tool in the orbital surgeon's armamentarium useful in the extraction of fluid-filled intraorbital lesions. This preliminary experience suggests that their use can ease the removal of intraconal hemangiomas with an exclusively transnasal approach. The analysis of further cases is necessary to confirm safety and efficacy.
BACKGROUND: Cryoprobe devices are used by ophthalmic and orbital surgeons for extraction of fluid-filled intraorbital lesions. No series has described cryodissection via an exclusively transnasal approach. We describe 2 cases of purely endoscopic transnasal removal of intraconal orbital hemangiomas with the aid of a dedicated cryoprobe. METHODS: All transnasal endoscopic intraorbital procedures were collected and analyzed. In cases in which intraorbital dissection was performed with the use of an Optikon Cryo-line probe, clinical features, histology, size and location of the lesion, early and late complications, surgical procedure time, and hospital length of stay were analyzed. Patient follow-up included endoscopic endonasal evaluations performed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery and ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluations performed 2 days and 2 months after surgery. RESULTS: Two transnasal intraorbital endoscopic procedures with the aid of the dedicated Cryo-line probe were collected. Lesions were located in the intraconal space, medial to the optic nerve. In both patients, the histologic evaluation was compatible with cavernous hemangioma, and complete resection was obtained. Mean hospital stay was 5.5 days. Postoperative ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluations performed 2 months postoperatively revealed complete resolution of preoperative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoprobes represent an adjunctive tool in the orbital surgeon's armamentarium useful in the extraction of fluid-filled intraorbital lesions. This preliminary experience suggests that their use can ease the removal of intraconal hemangiomas with an exclusively transnasal approach. The analysis of further cases is necessary to confirm safety and efficacy.