AIM: To explore the nursing cooperation highlights of eight osteopetrosis patients underwent optic nerve decompression via transsphenoidal microsurgical approach instead of routine pathway, and to improve the quality of nursing cooperation.

METHODS: We enrolled 8 cases(left eye in 3 cases, right eye in 5 cases)of osteopetrosis patients referred from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University during February 2012 to November 2016. Patients received ophthalmic examinations including visual acuity and diagnostic imaging tests in pre-operation and post-operation. All eyes were performed surgical optic nerve decompression through endoscopic approach in assist of image guidance system. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and surgical cooperation procedure of these cases and summarized nursing cooperation experience.

RESULTS: The operations of 8 patients were completed successfully without massive hemorrhage. Mean visual acuity improved from pre-operation(2.5±2.1)to post-operation(3.4±1.9). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 1 patient and was instantly repaired during the operation. We performed the nursing strategy as postural drainage, condition monitoring and conscious assessment intra-and post-operation.

CONCLUSION: It is the critical for this kind of surgery that both circulating nurse's high-skilled cooperation to the connection and operation of the navigation system, to treat with complication during the surgery, and scrub nurse's sufficient preparation of surgical instruments and consumables, proficient equipment delivery, meticulous management, use and maintenance of equipment.