lateral orbitotomy

I have been diagnose with an intr-conal cavernous hemangioma  21mmx20x16mm. I have been told that I have to have it removed via lateral orbitotomy.  I am very nervous about the whole thing .  Is this a complicated surgery ?  How long will it take?  Will I feel pain right after the surgery?  What should I expect in the days after the surgery? Are orbital hemangiomas common?
thanks for answering these questions,
Mlee

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I believe it is the most common orbital tumor - but thank God it is not cancerous.  It is a fairly complex surgery and requires a great amount of expertise.  I just saw a patient yesterday who had the same surgery for same tumor a few years back.  He did extremely well.  I don't have any experience, personally in these type of cases.  Your surgeon will be able to answer most of your questions.  I suspect you will have some moderate discomfort afterwards and may  need to be on some pain medications for a few days.  I don't want to add anything more because this is not my field of expertise.

MJK MD