Endoscopic approach for orbital apex lesions: case series and review of the literature

ObjectiveThe transnasal endoscopic approach may provide better visualisation and a safer approach to the orbital apex. This study presents a case series of orbital apex lesions managed by this approach. MethodThis study was an eight-year retrospective analysis of seven patients who were operated on for orbital apex lesions in two tertiary medical centres. ResultsComplete tumour removal was performed in three patients and partial removal was performed in four patients. Visual acuity improved in three patients, remained stable in one patient and decreased in the other two patients. The visual field improved in four patients and did not change in two patients. Complications included worse vision and visual fields in 28.6 per cent of patients and late enophthalmos (of -1.25 +/- 4.6 mm) in 2 patients. ConclusionThe transnasal approach to orbital apex lesions in selected cases may provide a rational alternative to transorbital surgery. Complete tumour removal should be weighed against the risk of damage to the optic nerve.