International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery
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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Aug 1995
Review Case ReportsPosterior ischemic optic neuropathy following bilateral radical neck dissection.
A patient is presented with posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) after bilateral radical neck dissection, probably caused by hemodynamic hypotension, combined with other factors. A postmortem histologic study of the optic nerve was performed to analyze the pathogenic mechanism of blindness. To prevent this complication, one should favor a two-stage procedure, avoiding drug-induced hypotension, overtransfusion, and anemia. During the postoperative period, visual acuity should be monitored regularly, and proper positioning of the patient's head is necessary.