A swinging upper eyelid approach for excision of lacrimal gland masses.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel transconjunctival technique for excision of well-defined masses of the orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland.

METHODS

Case series of three patients undergoing excision of a well-defined mass of the orbital lobe of lacrimal gland using a swinging upper eyelid flap. This technique entails a supratarsal conjunctival incision combined with lateral canthotomy and superior cantholysis.

RESULTS

Complete removal of the mass without visible scars was achieved in all cases. There were no complications related to this approach.

CONCLUSION

The swinging upper eyelid approach produces a wide exposure of the superolateral orbit. It allows safe removal of large lacrimal gland masses without the need for bone removal, while affording acceptable cosmesis.