The Transcaruncular Corridor of the Medial Transorbital Approach to the Frontal Lobe: Technical Nuances and Applications

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:Medial orbital access through a transcaruncular corridor has yet to be fully characterized as a potential approach to intradural lesions within the skull base. Transorbital approaches present unique potential in the management of complex neurological pathologies and require subspecialty collaboration across multiple disciplines.CLINICAL PRESENTATION:A 62-year-old man presented with progressive confusion and mild left-sided weakness. He was found to have a right frontal lobe mass with significant vasogenic edema. A comprehensive systemic workup was otherwise unremarkable. A multidisciplinary skull base tumor board conference recommended a medial transorbital approach through transcaruncular corridor, which was performed by neurosurgery and oculoplastics services. Postoperative imaging demonstrated gross total resection of the right frontal lobe mass. Histopathologic evaluation was consistent with amelanotic melanoma with BRAF (V600E) mutation. At his last follow-up visit, 3 months after surgery, the patient did not experience any visual symptoms and had an excellent cosmetic outcome after surgery.CONCLUSION:The transcaruncular corridor through a medial transorbital approach provides a safe and reliable access to the anterior cranial fossa.