Which procedure is performed for biopsy, abscess drainage, or removal of a tumor or foreign object in the orbit?

Which procedure is performed for biopsy, abscess drainage, or removal of a tumor or foreign object in the orbit?

• A. Orbitotomy
• B. Enucleation
• C. Dacryocystorhinostomy
• D. Sclerotomy

Answer: (A)

Accessing orbital contents surgically to biopsy, drain an abscess, or remove a tumor or a foreign body is done with an orbitotomy. This procedure involves making a controlled opening in the orbital walls to reach the structures inside the eye socket while keeping the eyeball intact whenever possible, and choosing the approach (often lateral or medial) based on the lesion’s location. The goal is to access and treat the orbital pathology safely, with minimal disturbance to vision and surrounding tissues. Enucleation removes the entire eyeball and is for severe globe disease, not for accessing orbital contents. Dacryocystorhinostomy creates a tear drainage route and is unrelated to the orbit. Sclerotomy opens the sclera to access the eye’s interior (retina/vitreous) rather than the orbit. Therefore, orbitotomy best fits these indications.

Accessing orbital contents surgically to biopsy, drain an abscess, or remove a tumor or a foreign body is done with an orbitotomy. This procedure involves making a controlled opening in the orbital walls to reach the structures inside the eye socket while keeping the eyeball intact whenever possible, and choosing the approach (often lateral or medial) based on the lesion’s location. The goal is to access and treat the orbital pathology safely, with minimal disturbance to vision and surrounding tissues. Enucleation removes the entire eyeball and is for severe globe disease, not for accessing orbital contents. Dacryocystorhinostomy creates a tear drainage route and is unrelated to the orbit. Sclerotomy opens the sclera to access the eye’s interior (retina/vitreous) rather than the orbit. Therefore, orbitotomy best fits these indications.