Role of the endonasal endoscopic approach in intraorbital tumor surgery: insights from a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in the surgical management of intraorbital tumors and analyze the adjunctive role of the transorbital approach (TOA) and extended modified medial maxillectomy (EMMM) in addressing anatomically complex tumors. METHODS This study retrospectively reviewed 13 cases of primary intraorbital tumors managed with EEA, integrating TOA and EMMM, based on specific tumor location and extent. A detailed analysis was conducted on the surgical techniques used, tumor size and location in relation to critical structures such as the optic nerve, and overall surgical outcomes, with a focus on the extent of resection and postoperative visual function. RESULTS Of the 13 cases analyzed (4 cavernous hemangiomas, 3 schwannomas, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, liposarcoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, osteoma, and myxoid spindle tumor), the EEA served as the primary surgical method, especially for the 8 intraconal tumors situated medially to the optic nerve, with 1 tumor situated inferiorly to the optic nerve. Extraconal tumors, present in 5 cases, necessitated additional approaches: TOA was utilized for tumors with anterior extension, and EMMM was applied to those extending toward the inferior orbital wall. Gross-total resection was accomplished in 80% of the operative cases, with an overall improvement in visual function observed in 69.2% of the patients postsurgery. Complications were infrequent, with enophthalmos requiring subsequent reconstruction and a permanent slight visual field defect in the upper outer quadrant, occurring in 1 case each, underscoring the safety and efficacy of integrated surgical approaches. CONCLUSIONS The combination of EEA with TOA and EMMM provides a comprehensive and adaptable surgical strategy for intraorbital tumors, accommodating various lesion locations and complexities. This combined approach not only facilitates extensive tumor resection but also maximizes the preservation of ocular function and cosmetic outcomes. The favorable results of this study support the use of a multidisciplinary surgical approach and highlight the potential for improved patient outcomes with the continued development of endoscopic techniques. Further research with a larger cohort is essential to validate these findings and establish guidelines for the combined use of these surgical methods.