Objective: To observe the effect of lateral orbitotomy.
Methods: Lateral orbitotomy for orbital tumors within muscle cone and area of lacrimal gland was performed for 70 cases by standard lateral orbitotomy, modified lateral orbitotomy and lateral orbitotomy combined with medial orbitotomy from July 1999 to April 2001 in Armed Police General Hospital.
Results: The indications of standard lateral orbitotomy were suitable for the orbital tumor below the optic nerve (38 cases), and modified lateral orbitotomy (involving supra or infra orbital edge) for the orbital tumors above the optic nerve (28 cases), as well as lateral orbitotomy combined with medial orbitotomy for the orbital tumors surrounding the optic nerve (4 cases). There were total removal of orbital tumors in 63 cases, partial removal 4 cases, decompression 3 cases of Graves' diseases.
Conclusion: The indications of lateral orbitotomy depend on the category, location and extent of orbital tumors. Lateral orbitotomy involving supra or infra orbital edge enlarges the operative field, and improves the successful rate of orbital removal.