Clinical Outcome and Technical Nuances After Resection of Orbital Cavernous Venous Malformations-A Single-Center Experience

Background Cavernous venous malformations (CVMs) represent the most common benign intraorbital lesions. Enlarging or symptomatic CVMs (progressive proptosis or visual disturbances) are treated by surgical resection. For this, a variety of different surgical approaches have been described. The aim of this study was to present a contemporary series of orbital CVMs treated via open microsurgical approaches. Methods In this study, patients who underwent resection of orbital CVMs between 2002 and 2019 were included. Presenting symptoms were noted and neuro-ophthalmologic examinations performed pre- and postoperatively. For surgical resection, the location of the orbital CVM and its relation to the orbital anatomy led to decision-making for appropriate approaches. A comparison between anatomical location and surgical outcome was performed. Results Overall, 35 patients with orbital CVMs were included. Most common presenting symptoms were progressive proptosis (43%) and visual disturbances (34%). Most common location was the lateral quadrant (37%) followed by the superior quadrant (20%). A subfrontal craniotomy was performed in 40% of cases followed by a supraorbital craniotomy including the orbital rim in 34% of cases. For surgical excision, a cryo-probe was used in 30 patients, and complete resection was feasible in all cases. Location of a CVM within the superior quadrant was associated with improved postoperative recovery of visual acuity. No differences for clinical outcomes were observed depending on the surgical approach. Conclusions Resection of orbital CVMs is indicated in patients with visual disturbances or progressive proptosis. In these, microsurgical approaches can be used with minimal morbidity for complete removal of these well-circumscribed lesions.