This Article  • Full text  • PDF  • Reply to article  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citation map  • Citing articles on HighWire  • Citing articles on Web of Science (1)  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Topic Collections  • Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery  • Oral/ Maxillofacial Trauma  • Surgery  • Surgical Interventions  • Endoscopy/ Minimally Invasive Surgery  • Facial Plastic Surgery  • Oculoplastic Surgery  • Trauma/ Maxillofacial Surgery  • Alert me on articles by topic

A Minimally Invasive, Canthus-Sparing Approach

Kris S. Moe, MD; Sumana Jothi, MD; Ryan Stern, MD; Holger G. Gassner, MD

Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(6):419-426.

Objective  To develop and evaluate a minimally invasive technique of lateral orbitotomy that provides improved orbital access with fewer complications.

Methods  A cadaver study was undertaken to develop a technique of transconjunctival lateral orbitotomy that preserves the structural integrity of the eyelid support system and provides extended access to the orbit from floor to roof. We then evaluated the procedure in an outcome study of 30 consecutive patients.

Results  The cadaver investigations demonstrated that a transconjunctival lateral retrocanthal approach is technically possible and provides improved direct access to the lateral orbit. In the study of 30 consecutive procedures, there were no complications resulting from the surgical access. The wound healing was rapid, without tissue distortion or scars. The exposure was ample for all surgical interventions.

Conclusions  Lateral retrocanthal orbitotomy is a new approach that provides extended access to the entire lateral orbit. The technique is rapid and can be extended in a single continuous incision to the medial orbit. The structural integrity of the lateral retinaculum is preserved, which appears to improve the postoperative cosmetic and functional result.

Author Affiliations: Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle (Drs Moe, Stern, and Gassner); and Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego (Dr Jothi).

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

The Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Theme Issue
Goldberg
Arch Ophthalmol 2007;125:1708-1709.
FULL TEXT