Eyebrow Incision for Combination Supraorbital Minicraniotomy with Orbital Osteotomy: Application to Cranio-Orbital Lesions

A pterional-orbital or subfrontal-orbital approach is recommended as a surgical treatment in cranio-orbital lesions. We describe a less invasive approach through an eyebrow incision combined supraorbital minicraniotomy and orbital osteotomy for treating some selected cranio-orbital lesions. Sixteen patients with different cranio-orbital lesions were treated using this less invasive approach. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated to shed light on specific parameters related to this approach. The 16 patients with cranio-orbital lesions underwent 17 operations. A total resection was achieved in 11 lesions. All the patients were followed up for 3–54 months. Postoperative proptosis improved in all cases. Five cases of visual impairment were improved, but 4 patients with blindness did not recover. One patient with bitemporal hemianopia recovered. Three patients with ocular dyskinesia did not recover. Two patients had transient cranial nerve III palsy, and 2 patients had cranial nerve VI palsy. One had delayed hydrocephalus. One died 1 year later as a result of pulmonary metastases. One recurred and the patient underwent a second operation. All the patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤1 at 12 weeks follow-up. Some selected cranio-orbital lesions can be treated through a supraorbital eyebrow approach with orbital osteotomy. The presence of retro-ocular fat allows the orbital lesions to be classified as a lesion of the intraretro-ocular or extraretro-ocular fat. It is safe to resect the lesion of extraretro-ocular fat from the retro-ocular fat interface. However, the lesion with optic nerve and extraocular muscles involved should be removed from the intermuscular septae. •Cranio-orbital lesions are a challenge for neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists.•The most ideal treatment is to establish an MDT to improve the outcome.•The orbital lesion was classified into a lesion of intraretro-ocular/extraretro-ocular fat.•The SEA provides exposure of the orbit, cavernous sinus, and temporal pole.•A SEA is recommended as an alternative option in select cranio-orbital lesions.