**6.2 Oculomotor nerve**

The oculomotor nerve has a low tolerance to any traumatic impact, so the violation of its function is possible even in the absence of direct manipulation with it during surgery. Nevertheless, if the 3rd nerve has not suffered serious traumatic impact intraoperatively, its function will be restored within 1-3 months postoperatively.

In contrast to pterional, the risk of damage to the 3rd nerve is minimal via the fronto-lateral approach. The oculomotor nerve passes directly below the lower edge of the wing, so clinoidectomy and separation of the two dural leaves could be harmful. Attentive dissection of DP and DT along with the plan, adequate irrigation, and coagulation avoidance in this area provide a better chance to pass by troubles.

The intracranial area of the 3rd nerve can be visualized after removal of the germinated basal dura. Sometimes it is appropriate to cut the 3rd nerve meningeal canal, to reach the tumor in the CS.
