title: Transcutaneous endoscopic orbital surgery: a less morbid alternative to lateral orbitotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Retrobulbar lesions of the orbit situated lateral to the optic nerve are difficult to access. In this article, the authors would like to present a new perspective to approach these lesions where the goals of surgery are met with minimal complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of patients' charts was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For approaching retrobulbar lesions an endoscopic technique was developed. Four patients (2 male and 2 female patients) presenting with retrobulbar lesions lateral to the optic nerve have been included in this study. Two patients underwent endoscopic drainage for orbital abscess and two patients were successfully biopsied endoscopically. No intra-operative complications were noted. Open procedures such as lateral orbitotomy were avoided in all the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transcutaneous orbital endoscopy is a safe and a versatile technique to approach retrobulbar lesions lateral to the optic nerve. It can be used as an effective alternative to lateral orbitotomy for well selected cases. One can obtain adequate material for histopathological examination and also drain deep-seated orbital abscess using this technique. It would be possible with increasing experience to use this technique for extended applications.
authors.affiliation: Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College & General Hospital, Otolaryngology & Ophthalmology , Mumbai , India.
authors.forename: Renuka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bradoo
authors.forename: Nayana
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Potdar
authors.forename: Anagha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Kshitij
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Modi
authors.forename: Chhaya
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shinde
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Endoscopic Orbital Surgery, Lateral Orbitotomy, Orbital Tuberculosis, Orbital Biopsy, Orbital Abscess, Orbital Endoscopy