Microsurgical approach to orbital tumors.

Neurodiagnostic techniques now permit precise localization of intraorbital tumors relative to the optic nerve and intracranial compartment. With such localization, surgical procedures may be planned along more anatomical lines. Those circumscribed tumors may be planned along more anatomical lines. Those circumscribed tumors lateral, superior, and inferior to the optic nerve may well be approached by a lateral orbitotomy using microdissecting techniques. Those tumors medial to the optic nerve deep in the apex and those with possible intracranial extension should be approached transfrontally. In both surgical approaches, precise anatomical knowledge and microdissecting techniques are needed.