Transorbital Endoscopic Approach to the Pterygopalatine Fossa: A Less Invasive Alternative to Traditional Access.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article and accompanying video is to demonstrate a transorbital endoscopic approach for accessing the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). This technique does not require a skin incision, avoids dissection of critical neurovascular structures, and utilizes a comparatively small osteotomy. The 2 cases presented in this article highlight the utility of a transorbital endoscopic approach for accessing an anatomic region that has traditionally required more invasive techniques to reach. METHODS: Description of surgical technique with 2 illustrative clinical cases and accompanying surgical video. RESULTS: Surgical technique: A trans-conjunctival approach is taken to the inferior orbital rim, and a subperiosteal dissection is propagated posteriorly. The bone of the posterior orbital floor is then deroofed, and the superior portion of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus is removed, allowing access to the PPF for an incisional biopsy. CASE: A 76-year-old male with a history of left cheek squamous cell carcinoma presented with progressive V2 paresthesia and an abnormally enhancing lesion in the left PPF on MRI. CASE: A 58-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with left facial numbness (V1-V3), ptosis, an abduction deficit, and decreased hearing. Contrast-enhanced MRI demonstrated an abnormally enhanced lesion in the left PPF extending to Meckel's cave.The transorbital approach described was used to successfully obtain a diagnostic biopsy in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: These cases highlight the utility of a transorbital endoscopic approach to the PPF as a less morbid alternative to traditional access. Patient selection is key to identifying appropriate cases.

Hyperostosis associated with orbital vascular malformation.

A previously healthy adult male presented with a slowly enlarging orbital mass associated with 5 mm of non-pulsatile proptosis. On imaging, a soft tissue lesion with avid contrast enhancement and associated bony hyperostosis was noted. The lesion and hyperostotic bone were surgically debulked, and significant arterial bleeding was noted intraoperatively consistent with an arteriovenous malformation. Histopathologic analysis revealed a vascular malformation with enhanced microvasculature infiltrating the periosteum. While vascular lesions elsewhere in the body can be associated with skeletal changes, bony hyperostosis is a rare feature of orbital vascular malformations.

Bony Regrowth After Deep Lateral Orbital Decompression.

PURPOSE: To report on 2 cases of late bony regrowth with clinically apparent proptosis after deep lateral orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy. METHODS: A retrospective review of 2 cases identified by the authors as having late bony regrowth. The authors review the clinical, historical, radiologic, and anatomical findings and discuss the significance thereof. RESULTS: Bony regrowth with bowing toward the middle cranial fossa is observed at postoperative month 8 in the first case. Cortical bone and marrow was observed to regrow at 2 years postoperatively in the second case. Both patients underwent successful repeat deep lateral orbital decompression with resolution of proptosis and clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Late bony regrowth should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent proptosis after orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease.