Surgeons at the Mayo Clinic performed an endoscopic endonasal en‑bloc resection to remove an orbital solitary fibrous tumor [1].
This procedure represents a shift toward minimally invasive techniques for complex tumors located near the eye. By accessing the orbit through the nasal passage, surgeons can potentially reduce the scarring and recovery time associated with traditional open-face surgeries.
The operation was conducted by Dr. Christopher Jabbour and Dr. Janalee Stokken [1]. The surgical team worked under the guidance of series editors Nicholas R. Randall, M.D., and Matthew L. Carlson, M.D. [1].
The procedure took place at the Mayo Clinic Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Rochester, Minnesota [1, 2]. The goal of the surgery was the complete removal of the solitary fibrous tumor, a rare type of mesenchymal tumor, using the en-bloc technique, which involves removing the mass in one single piece [1].
Endoscopic endonasal surgery allows physicians to navigate the skull base and orbital area without making external incisions on the face. This approach utilizes high-definition cameras and specialized instruments to reach the tumor through the nostrils [1].
The medical team documented the process to provide a clinical reference for other specialists dealing with similar orbital pathologies [1]. Such cases are often challenging due to the proximity of the optic nerve and other critical vascular structures within the orbit [1].
“Surgeons used a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach to remove a solitary fibrous tumor.”
The use of endoscopic endonasal resection for orbital tumors demonstrates the expanding capability of minimally invasive surgery in otolaryngology. By avoiding external facial incisions, this method reduces patient trauma and preserves cosmetic outcomes while still allowing for the total removal of complex masses. This case adds to the clinical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of the endonasal route for tumors previously requiring more invasive orbital decompression or craniotomy.
