[A new technique for the removal of orbital tumors--combined fronto-orbital approach].

Advances in the surgical approach to the orbital fossa have resulted in an increase in the cure of tumors involving the optic nerve and the external ocular muscles. In the past 10 years we have encountered 12 cases with orbital fossa tumors, excluding ocular tumors and inflammatory disease case. After tumor removal surgery, new neurological deficits such as total ophthalmoplegia were caused in many cases, where surgery was performed by classical Krönlein's technique or Dandy's transfrontal approach. So we thought that a new method for tumor removal should be contrived to improve postoperative results. Recently we have had four cases with large orbital tumors (3 cavernous angiomas and one schwannoma). In order to protect visual acuity and external ocular muscle function, we have devised a modification of the frontal craniotomy technique, the "combined fronto-orbital approach". Using our new method, we have successfully removed these four orbital tumors and with good postoperative results. We have concluded that our new technique is superior to other transfrontal approaches on several points as follows: 1) Decreased avoidable compression against the orbital contents and a decrease in the risk of tearing the frontal lobe dura and the peri-orbital during fronto-orbital craniotomy. 2) Satisfactory external decompression and a wide operative field are obtained with simple and safe procedures. 3) Previously detaching the superior rectal muscle makes it easy to distinguish the orbital fossa pathoanatomy and to remove a tumor. 4) Good results are easily obtained in the reconstruction of the orbital roof and the orbital rim, especially in the prevention of postoperative bulbar pulsation and from cosmetic view point.