[Cranial-orbital approach in the treatment of optic nerve glioma]

To summarize the experience in cranial-orbital approach in the treatment of optic nerve glioma.

The clinical data of 35 patients with optic nerve glioma diagnosed by CT and MRI, 26 males and 9 females; aged 13 (1 - 54), with the main clinical presentations of visual defection and ex-ophthalmo and with the courses from 1 to 36 months, who underwent operation via the cranial-orbital approach 36 times, were analyzed. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathology after operation in 35 cases. Follow-up was conducted for 3 months to 8 years.

Total resection was achieved in 29 cases, and subtotal resection in 6 cases. The surgical complications included temporary cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (2 cases) and cataract (1 cases), and no ocular movement dysfunction was found. The follow-up rate was 77.1% (27/35). Three cases suffered from recurrence, spinal metastasis was found in 1 case, and 1 case died.

resection of optic nerve glioma via cranial-orbital approach is effective. However, since residual tumor may remain in the optic nerve canal, post-operative radiation therapy is recommended.