Surgical outcomes of transconjunctival anterior orbitotomy for intraconal orbital cavernous hemangioma.
OBJECTIVE
To describe surgical outcomes for transconjunctival anterior orbitotomy for intraconal cavernous hemangiomas.


METHODS
The medical records of 9 consecutive patients with intraconal cavernous hemangiomas who underwent surgical removal by transconjunctival anterior orbitotomy were retrospectively reviewed. The conjunctiva was incised and retracted with a traction suture. For large tumors, a rectus muscle was temporarily disinserted. Tenon's capsule was separated and the tumor was removed with a cryoprobe or clamp. Surgical outcomes, positions of the tumors, methods of approach, and intra- and post-operative complications were evaluated.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 33 ± 6.8 months. No bony orbitotomy was used in this technique and the cosmetic results were very satisfactory. All tumors were removed intact. In 4 patients, tumors were extirpated with the aid of a cryoprobe. No patients had residual proptosis or limitation of ocular movement. No signs of recurrence were noted in any cases at 33 months follow-up. No serious or permanent complications were observed during or after the operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Transconjunctival anterior orbitotomy is an important surgical procedure in the treatment of intraconal cavernous hemangiomas. It can produce an excellent result, even if the posterior border of the tumor abuts the orbital apex.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kyong Jin
KJ
Cho
Ji-Sun
JS
Paik
Suk-Woo
SW
Yang
D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006392:Hemangioma, Cavernous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome