The treatment of orbital masses often requires an interdisciplinary approach. Ophthalmological
surgical approaches include the anterior transcutaneous approach for removal of dermoids
or taking biopsies. Anterior transconjunctival orbitotomy is suitable for masses of
the inferior orbit or the intraconal compartment, but is inappropriate for masses
of the orbital apex. The lateral transosseous orbitotomy often fits for masses of
the lateral or intraconal compartment, especially for neoplasms of the lacrimal gland
e.g. pleomorphic adenoma. Cryoextraction is often the technique of first choice for
cavernous haemangiomas of all localisations. Transfrontal approaches are suitable
for the resection of tumours of the optic nerve and of the orbital apex.
Key words
anatomy - ocular tumors - orbit
