Purpose: To evaluate aspiration cutter-assisted small-incision anterior orbitotomy.
Methods: Three patients with orbital adnexal tumors underwent orbital biopsy through a 3-mm incision in the eyelid skin (n = 2) or conjunctival fornix (n = 1). Standard aspiration cutters were introduced into anterior and posterior orbital tumors utilizing a bimanual technique. Multiple passes were made into the tumor. Fresh specimens were analyzed for adequacy prior to the end of surgery. Cytopathology, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed.
Results: Aspiration cutter technique biopsies were diagnostic in 2 of 3 cases. Diagnoses were orbital lymphoma, metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma, and metastatic prostate cancer. The 20-G aspiration cutter yielded the most tissue. No sutures were required for the small incisions.
Conclusions: Sutureless, aspiration cutter biopsy offered benefits commonly associated with fine needle aspiration biopsy, controlled aspiration, and enclosed mechanical cutting.