Publication:

Onodi cells and endoscopic sinus surgery

Background The optic nerve is susceptible to injury during endoscopic surgical intervention in the sphenoethmoidal region.

Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 157 axial computed tomography sections through the sphenoid sinus of randomly selected cases from the departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana was undertaken during the period 2002 to 2004.

Results A computed tomographic study of the Onodi cells, of this region was carried out in 157 axial scans. The incidence of Onodi cells was 12.10% with predominance of left sided and indirect type of cells in our study.

Conclusions Thorough pre-operative evaluation of sphenoethmoidal region optic nerve and extent of pathology is essential to avoid the irreversible complication of optic nerve injury.