Endoscopic superior eyelid transorbital approach: how I do it.

BACKGROUND

The endoscopic transorbital approach to the skull base is currently growing in popularity, and it is nowadays progressively used as a skull base approach. Clinical experience, along with detailed anatomical knowledge, makes this technique safe and effective.

METHOD

We present a step by step description of our technique based on the most recent anatomic references, and clinical experience. In order to better understand every phase of the procedure, we propose to keep on the following scheme, that is (1) skin phase; (2) working space; (3) lesion removal; (4) reconstruction. Hence, alone or in combination with the well-known endonasal pathway, the transorbital avenue seems to be a useful approach for selected skull base lesions. We present our technique, along with an anatomic analysis on cadaveric specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed knowledge of surgical anatomy, and a specific stepwise analysis of each part of the surgical procedure, is notably useful in order to safely and effectively perform a superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital surgery to the skull base.