[Endonasal, endoscopic-microscopic control of the decompression of the optic nerve. An anatomic endoscopic presentation of the operation].

The indication for decompression of the optic nerve after indirect trauma is made both by the ophthalmologist and the ENT-surgeon. The ENT-surgeon usually reaches and decompresses the optic canal by a transethmoidal-transsphenoidal route. The majority of authors prefer the transfacial approach to the ethmoid including resection of the crossing plane comprising the frontal process of the maxilla, the ethmoid, the lacrimal and the frontal bone. Hitherto we have knowledge of only one author utilising an endonasal approach to decompress the optic nerve. At the university hospital of Göttingen, the ENT-surgeons gathered experience with the endonasal, endoscopically and microscopically controlled operation method, which is less traumatic to the patient and avoids postoperative mucoceles of the frontal sinus. This surgical procedure is described by surgical-anatomical specimens.