Mini fronto-orbital approach: “Window opening” towards the superomedial orbit—A virtual reality-planned anatomic study

BACKGROUND: Surgical approaches to the orbit are challenging and require combined multispecialist skills. Considering its increasing relevance in neurosurgical practice, keyhole surgery could be also applied to this field. However, mastering a minimally invasive approach necessitates an extended learning curve. For this reason, virtual reality (VR) can be effectively used for planning and training in this demanding surgical technique. OBJECTIVE: To validate the mini fronto-orbital (mFO) approach to the superomedial orbit, using VR planning and specimen dissections, conjugating the principles of skull base and keyhole neurosurgery. METHODS: Three-dimensional measurements were performed thanks to Surgical Theater (Surgical Theater© LLC), and then, simulated craniotomies were implemented on cadaver specimens. RESULTS: The mFO approach affords optimal exposure and operability in the target area and reduced risks of surrounding normal tissue injuries. The eyebrow skin incision, the minimal soft-tissue retraction, the limited temporalis muscle dissection and the single-piece craniotomy, as planned with VR, are the key elements of this minimally invasive approach. Furthermore, the “window-opening” cotton-tip intraorbital dissection technique, based on widening surgical corridors between neuromuscular bundles, provides a safe orientation and a deep access inside the orbit, thereby significantly limiting the risk of jeopardizing neurovascular structures. CONCLUSION: The mFO approach associated to the window-opening dissection technique can be considered safe, effective, suitable, and convenient for treating lesions located in the superomedial orbital aspect, up to the orbital apex.