Deciding when and when not to reconstruct the orbit: How I do it.

Abstract

Deciding whether to reconstruct the orbit after combined transcranial and orbital surgery is uniquely challenging. Although frequently debated, upfront reconstruction is critical for lesions that have not caused bony remodeling, orbital wall hyperostosis, or periorbital tissue stiffening. A 50-year-old man developed pulsatile enophthalmos two years after planum sphenoidale meningioma resection. We detail the staged orbital reconstruction technique and discuss indications. Lesions not involving the orbital tissues themselves but compressing the orbit require orbital reconstruction to prevent delayed pulsatile enophthalmos. Additionally, even when upfront reconstruction is deferred, a delayed, staged approach can treat specific postoperative complications.