[Preliminary study of microanatomy of cadaver skulls related to lateral orbital approach operation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the microanatomy of cadaver skulls related to lateral orbital approach operation. Microanatomy data were recorded and analyzed by multi-angle digital camera. METHODS: Experimental study. Five adult formalin-fixed cadaver skulls were examined, simulating the lateral orbital approach procedure, the optic nerve, oculomotor nerve, ophthalmic artery, superior ophthalmic vein and various levels anatomical structures and adjacent regions were dissected and examined on both sides of each specimen under surgical microscope. RESULTS: Lateral orbit approach operation involved many important structures in the orbit. From the lateral side, ophthalmic artery (the second segment), ciliary ganglion and abducens nerve located outside of optic nerve were involved. From the superior side, ophthalmic artery (the third segment), superior ophthalmic vein, nasociliay nerve and the upper branch of oculomotor nerve located above the optic nerve were involved. From the inferior side: ophthalmic artery (the first segment), central retinal artery, the inferior branch of oculomotor nerve located below the optic nerve were involved. There were many blood vessel and nerves in the orbital apex, including optic nerve, oculomotor nerve, ciliary ganglion, abducens nerve, the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, ophthalmic artery and superior ophthalmic vein. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic structures involved in the lateral orbital approach surgery are complex, especially in the orbital apex. Optic nerve, oculomotor nerve, ophthalmic artery, superior ophthalmic vein are located in this region. The operative space is narrow, the damage of nerves and blood vessels will result in serious complications.