TUMORS OF THE ORBIT - PITFALLS OF THE SURGICAL APPROACH IN 37 CHILDREN WITH ORBITAL TUMOR

The authors review their experience with 37 children with orbital tumo rs, summarizing their surgical techniques, the indications applied, an d the pitfalls of each surgical approach. Tumors located in the retro- ocular or intraorbital space were surgically excised through a transcr anial approach (28 cases), while for tumors in other sites lateral orb itotomy (5 cases), medial orbitotomy (1 case) and biopsy (3 cases) wer e performed. A transcranial approach was used for tumors with intracra nial extension and for those located in the orbital apex and deep medi al orbital compartment. Lateral orbitotomy was used for tumors located in the superior, temporal or inferior compartment of the orbit and th ose in the lateral apex. A medial orbitotomy was used for tumors locat ed medial to the optic nerve. Outcomes of the surgical intervention va ried, depending on the pathology, location and extent of the individua l tumors. To obtain optimal exposure and minimize functional deficits, the pitfalls of surgical approaches to orbital tumors are discussed.