Complete removal of gliomas affecting the optic nerve.

Abstract

Gliomas, or so-called low-grade astrocytomas, affecting the optic nerves have for some years been of great interest to ophthalmologists and ophthalmic surgeons. Excellent contributions to the literature have been made by many authors concerning the pertinent pathologic aspects, classification, peculiarities of growth, and methods of treating these tumors.* Opinion has varied greatly as to the methods of treatment and the prognosis for life expectancy among patients harboring these tumors. The undeniable relationship of this tumorous growth with von Recklinghausen's disease in certain cases has tended to add confusion rather than to clarify the concepts of prognosis and necessary surgical approach and treatment. Reflection on the subject, however, and a review of the writings of others make it evident that the prognosis in cases of glioma of the optic nerve depends on the extent and type of growth.† Obviously, a tumor involving the optic chiasm or the neighboring structures of the