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Kasey K. Li, MD, DDS; Mark J. Lucarelli, MD; Jurij R. Bilyk, MD; Michael P. Joseph, MD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;123(4):425-429.

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the outcome of extracranial optic nerve decompression in patients with compressive optic neuropathy secondary to intracranial, paranasal sinus, or orbital neoplastic processes.

Design
A retrospective chart review and clinical follow-up of patients who underwent optic nerve decompression.

Setting
Tertiary care referral center.

Patients
During an 8-year period, 95 extracranial optic nerve decompressions were performed by one of us (M.P.J.) for optic neuropathy resulting from traumatic, inflammatory, infectious, iatrogenic, neoplastic, and idiopathic processes. Thirty patients with compressive optic neuropathy secondary to histopathologically confirmed tumors were identified.

Intervention
Optic nerve decompression via external ethmoidectomy approach.

Result
Twenty (67%) of 30 patients showed improvement in vision. Improvement in 17 of the 20 patients has been stable. Seven patients (23%) showed no improvement but there was no further worsening of vision after surgery. In 3 patients (10%) vision deteriorated following surgery.

Conclusion
Extracranial optic nerve decompression may be considered for the preservation or improvement of vision in selected patients with compressive optic neuropathy from neoplasms.

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;123:425-429

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (Drs Li and Joseph) and Ophthalmology (Drs Lucarelli and Bilyk), Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston. Dr Li is now with the University of California, Irvine, Orange. Dr Lucarelli is now with the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr Joseph is now with Weber Medical Clinic Ltd, Olney, Ill.