Accessing the Orbital Roof via an Eyelid Incision: The Transpalpebral Approach

Abstract

THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES A NEW SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR ACCESSING THE ORBITAL ROOF: the transpalpebral approach. It involves making an incision on the double fold of the upper eyelid, then dissecting the orbital septum and the orbicular muscle of the eye. This exposes the orbital roof and enables the surgeon to approach without a coronal incision of the scalp; the direct eyelid incision provides adequate workspace. We use this approach in three orbital roof fractures and one orbital hemangioma. This orbital approach offers a simpler surgical technique, a less invasive one, and still provides excellent exposure of the superior orbital cavity.