Postoperative ischemic optic neuropathy

Recovery of vision after treatment of hemodialysis related bilateral optic nerve ischemia

Purpose

We present the case of a patient who lost light perception in both eyes after hemodialysis and subsequently recovered vision after treatment with erythropoietin and intravenous steroids.

Observations

Our patient reported loss of light perception in both eyes (NLP) 2 hours after hemodialysis. Examination confirmed NLP vision, chronic retinal vascular changes, and no acute changes in optic nerve appearance. A presumptive diagnosis of posterior optic neuropathy was made. The patient was treated with erythropoietin and intravenous steroids according to the protocol of Nikkah. Over a period of 14 hours, he recovered vision to his baseline.

Conclusions and Importance

Bilateral loss of light perception is a rare complication of hemodialysis. The presumed mechanism is posterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Prompt treatment with erythropoietin and intravenous steroids should be considered in similar situations that result in Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) related to procedure-based hypotension.

European position paper on the management of patients with patent foramen ovale. Part II - Decompression sickness, migraine, arterial deoxygenation syndromes and select high-risk clinical conditions

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of medical conditions but to date only one official position paper related to left circulation thromboembolism has been published. This interdisciplinary paper, prepared with the involvement of eight European scientific societies, reviews the available evidence and proposes a rationale for decision making for other PFO-related clinical conditions. In order to guarantee a strict evidence-based process, we used a modified grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) methodology. A critical qualitative and quantitative evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures was performed, including assessment of the risk/benefit ratio. The level of evidence and the strength of the position statements were weighed and graded according to predefined scales. Despite being based on limited and observational or low-certainty randomised data, a number of position statements were made to frame PFO management in different clinical settings, along with suggestions for new research avenues. This interdisciplinary position paper, recognising the low or very low certainty of existing evidence, provides the first approach to several PFO-related clinical scenarios beyond left circulation thromboembolism and strongly stresses the need for fresh high-quality evidence on these topics.

Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy: Perioperative risk factors

Perioperative posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a rare but devastating condition. Visual impairment is commonly bilateral, profound, and irreversible. The most frequently associated triggering events are spine surgeries, other orthopedic surgeries, cardiac bypass surgeries, and radical neck dissection. The etiology is multifactorial. The most commonly reported risk factors are severe and prolonged hypotension, anemia, hemodilution, orbital and periorbital edema, direct orbital compression by prone position, and abnormal autoregulation. This review discusses the current literature on perioperative PION and includes a study conducted by our group to investigate the perioperative risk factors of PION in order to better understand the pathogenesis and help identify high-risk patients. Our results provide further corroborating evidence that PION is associated with spinal, cardiovascular, and abdominal surgeries, longer duration of procedure, and facial edema. Anemia and chronic hypertension are frequent risk factors. Treatment for perioperative PION is uncertain and depends largely on the immediate reversal of hemodynamic alterations. Hence, it is important to identify patients at risk and accordingly take prophylactic measures to prevent its occurrence. Optimizing hemoglobin levels, hemodynamic status, and tissue oxygenation is crucial.

Robot-assisted intracorporeal orthotopic bladder substitution after radical cystectomy: perioperative morbidity and oncological outcomes - a single-institution experience

OBJECTIVE

To report a single-institution experience with totally intracorporeal neobladder urinary diversion (UD) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 158 patients underwent totally intracorporeal neobladder UD after RARC between 2003 and 2016. Patient demographics, intraoperative and pathological data, 30- and 90-day perioperative mortality and complications were recorded. Complications were classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. The 5-year overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS

Most of the patients were male (84%) and had clinical T Stage ≤2 (87%). The mean operation time was 359 (SD ±98) min, with a median (range) estimated blood loss of 300 (50-2200) mL. Most of the men (86%) received a nerve-sparing procedure and 38% of the females an organ-sparing approach. A lymph node dissection was performed in 156 (99%) patients, with a median (range) yield of 23 (7-48) nodes. Conversion to open surgery occurred in five patients (3%). We recorded negative margins in 156 patients (99%). The median (range) follow-up was 34 (1-170) months, with 30- and 90-day mortality rates of 0%. Clavien-Dindo Grade III-IV complications occurred in 29 of 158 (18%) patients at 30-days and in eight of 158 (5%) between 30-90 days, resulting into a 90-day overall high-grade complication rate of 23%. The unadjusted estimated 5-years recurrence-free survival, CSS and OS rates were 70%, 72%, and 71%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our present series the complication and oncological results were similar to open RC series, suggesting that RARC followed by totally intracorporeal neobladder UD is a safe and feasible alternative.

Does Septorhinoplasty-Related Periorbital Edema Affect Intraocular Pressure and Retina?

BACKGROUND

Open rhinoplasty has been performed for over 50 years. Rhinoplasty procedures have a risk of complications and it is important to follow each step diligently in order to avoid complications. Periorbital edema is the most common complication of septorhinoplasty. As far as we are aware, there are no studies in the available literature examining the impact of the septorhinoplasty on intraocular pressure and the retina.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of septorhinoplasty-related periorbital edema on intraocular pressure and the retina by means of objective tests.

METHODS

Ten patients with phase 4 periorbital edema (5 males and 5 females) who underwent open rhinoplasty with bilateral lateral osteotomies were enrolled in the study. All the patients were examined by an eye specialist for visual acuity, intraocular pressure, retinal nerve fiber layer, and ganglion cell complex pathologies with optical coherence tomography preoperatively and postoperatively on the seventh day.

RESULTS

Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity; intraocular pressure; average, superior, and inferior retinal nerve fiber layer thickness; and total, superior, and inferior ganglion cell complex thickness in both eyes for all patients were within normal limits. There was no statistical difference between preoperative and postoperative values (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that periorbital edema after septorhinoplasty causes no significant complications affecting intraocular pressure and visual acuity. We believe that when osteotomies and local anesthetic injections are undertaken correctly, periorbital complications do not affect vision.

Alert for Perioperative Visual Loss: An Unusual Presentation of an Orbital Haemangioma during Spinal Surgery

A 62-year-old man with a history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity, presented for elective lumbar laminectomy for spinal canal stenosis. Twenty minutes after placement in the prone position, he developed left orbital proptosis. The surgery was deferred and a subsequent CT scan showed an orbital haemangioma. This case highlights the importance of meticulous attention to eye-care for patients in the prone position.

Update on Perioperative Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Associated With Non-ophthalmic Surgery

Perioperative visual loss (POVL) is a rare, serious complication of non-ophthalmic surgeries. Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), and retinal arterial occlusion (RAO) are the main causes (1, 2). Less frequent are cortical blindness (3), acute glaucoma (4), and choroidal and vitreous hemorrhage (5). ION is the most common cause for which the neurologist or neuro-ophthalmologist is consulted as it is associated either with a normal ophthalmic exam (posterior ION, PION), or less often, with optic nerve (ON) head swelling (anterior ION, AION). The presumed cause is impaired blood supply to the optic nerve (Figure 1). The most common surgical procedures complicated by ION are cardiac surgery and spinal fusion. Retrospective studies, surveys, and case reports are the basis of most knowledge regarding peri-operative ION (poION), with cohort and case-control studies helping to identify candidate risk factors (6, 7). Animal models have provided insight regarding mechanisms (8). This mini-review is an update on the latest advancements regarding poION in non-ophthalmic surgeries in epidemiological, clinical, and animal studies.

The Effect of Perioperative Fluid Management on Intraocular Pressure during Gynecologic Laparoscopic Pelvic Surgery

Purpose

Visual loss is a devastating perioperative complication that can result from elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The Trendelenburg position during surgery increases IOP. The purpose of this study was to quantify IOP changes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy, at different time points and body positions throughout the procedure, and to compare fluctuations of IOP during the perioperative period according to two fluid management protocols.

Methods

Thirty women scheduled to undergo elective gynecologic laparoscopic pelvic surgery were randomly allocated to receive a liberal or restrictive fluid management protocol. IOP, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, exhaled tidal volume, end-tidal CO₂, and ocular perfusion pressure were assessed prior, during, and postsurgery, at 8 time points altogether.

Results

Mean changes in IOP were similar for the two protocols; the peak IOP was at the steep (peak) Trendelenburg position. For each protocol, IOP correlated positively with mean arterial pressure, and mean blood pressure correlated with ocular perfusion pressure.

Conclusion

IOP was elevated during laparoscopic pelvic surgery and particularly at the steep Trendelenburg position. No differences were found in any of the parameters examined according to a liberal or restrictive fluid management protocol.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after conventional coronary artery bypass graft: a case report

Background

The incidence of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after coronary artery bypass graft procedures ranges from 1.3 to 0.25%. The mechanisms of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after cardiovascular procedures remain undefined but many systemic and related-to-surgery risk factors could underlie anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. In this case, we report a rare presentation of a bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after coronary artery bypass graft and speculate on the preoperative hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old white man, a tobacco smoker with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, underwent a conventional coronary artery bypass graft with extracorporeal circulation. In spite of ongoing anti-aggregation, antithrombotic, and vasodilator therapy, 10 days after the surgery he complained of severe bilateral visual loss. Funduscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed a bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Analysis of preoperative laboratory tests revealed hyperhomocysteinemia.

Conclusion

Hyperhomocysteinemia could increase the risk of ocular vascular damage and bilateral ocular involvement in patients who have undergone conventional coronary artery bypass graft.

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Cardiac Surgery: Incidence and Risk Factors in the United States from the National Inpatient Sample 1998 to 2013

BACKGROUND

Ischemic optic neuropathy is the most common form of perioperative visual loss, with highest incidence in cardiac and spinal fusion surgery. To date, potential risk factors have been identified in cardiac surgery by only small, single-institution studies. To determine the preoperative risk factors for ischemic optic neuropathy, the authors used the National Inpatient Sample, a database of inpatient discharges for nonfederal hospitals in the United States.

METHODS

Adults aged 18 yr or older admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement surgery, or left ventricular assist device insertion in National Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2013 were included. Risk of ischemic optic neuropathy was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 5,559,395 discharges met inclusion criteria with 794 (0.014%) cases of ischemic optic neuropathy. The average yearly incidence was 1.43 of 10,000 cardiac procedures, with no change during the study period (P = 0.57). Conditions increasing risk were carotid artery stenosis (odds ratio, 2.70), stroke (odds ratio, 3.43), diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio, 3.83), hypertensive retinopathy (odds ratio, 30.09), macular degeneration (odds ratio, 4.50), glaucoma (odds ratio, 2.68), and cataract (odds ratio, 5.62). Female sex (odds ratio, 0.59) and uncomplicated diabetes mellitus type 2 (odds ratio, 0.51) decreased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ischemic optic neuropathy in cardiac surgery did not change during the study period. Development of ischemic optic neuropathy after cardiac surgery is associated with carotid artery stenosis, stroke, and degenerative eye conditions.

Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Confirm a Diagnosis of Posterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy: Two Case Reports and Literature Review

Posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy is a rare cause of visual loss believed to be due to infarction in the territory of the pial branches of the ophthalmic artery. The disorder most commonly occurs in the context of prolonged surgery or giant cell arteritis, and the absence of clinical signs in the eye means that the diagnosis is one of exclusion. Here, we present two cases studies of patients who developed posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy confirmed by the observation of secondary changes on diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. In the first case visual loss followed robotic pelvic surgery, and in the second case it was associated with multiorgan dysfunction secondary to severe pancreatitis. Our cases demonstrate that in the right clinical context, diffusion-weighted imaging can provide a positive diagnosis of acute posterior ischaemic optic nerve injury in the acute phase.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure increase in patients during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the steep Trendelenburg position

PURPOSE

This study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) in the steep Trendelenburg (ST).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-eight patients were randomly divided into two groups. The dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=34) received a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine at a rate of 0.4 μg kg(-1) hour(-1) from the induction of anesthesia until the end of the ST position, while the control group (Group C, n=34) received an equal volume of physiologic saline at the same rate under conventional general anesthesia with sevoflurane and remifentanil. IOP was measured at 11 predefined time points for all patients.

RESULTS

Significant differences in IOP were detected between the two groups by a linear mixed model analysis (p<0.001). The highest mean IOP was 19.9±5.0 mm Hg in Group D and 25.7±5.0 mm Hg in Group C; both were measured 60 minutes after the patients had been placed in the ST position. No significant between-group differences in ocular perfusion pressure, mean blood pressure, or heart rate were observed between the two groups. No ocular or other complications were noted.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine may help alleviate IOP increase in patients undergoing RALRP in the ST position.

Traumatic dissection of the internal carotid artery: simultaneous infarct of optic nerve and brain

KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE

Traumatic intracranial internal carotid artery dissection is a rare but significant cause of stroke in patients in their forties, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous ischemic stroke and optic nerve infarction can occur. Clinical suspicion of dissection is determining in the acute management.

Cortical blindness after complicated general anesthesia in urological surgery

Patient: Male, 4

Final Diagnosis: Cortical blindness after complicated general anesthesia

Symptoms: Blindness • fine motor activity derangements

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: General anesthesia for unilateral inguinal hydrocelectomy

Specialty: Anesthesiology

Modified prone position using lateral brace attachments for cervico-dorsal spine surgeries

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to propose a method of prone positioning for posterior cervico-dorsal spine surgeries that is easy to achieve without additional equipment and may reduce complications associated with prone positioning in patients.

METHODS

41 patients underwent posterior spine surgeries using our method of prone positioning on a fluoroscopy compatible conventional operation table, and the technical difficulties and complications associated were noted. After induction under general anaesthesia in supine position, cervical tongs were applied. An assembly of two adequately padded cylindrical bolsters and two lateral brace attachments was set on a conventional operating table. The patient was then positioned prone so that the tongs as well as insertion pins of the tongs rest on the lateral brace attachments, with the face and head suspended freely in between. A neutralisation weight was then applied suspended from the tongs to stabilize the head.

RESULTS

The time required for patient positioning was noted and was found to be nearly the same as that required for traditional prone positioning. No problems were noted during patient positioning and with anaesthesia tubing management. All surgeries went well without position related complications except for one patient who developed post-operative macroglossia. All cervical tong pin sites healed without any complications. The fluoroscope easily gained access to the operative areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Our modification appears simple, versatile and reproducible for posterior approach procedures of the cervical and upper dorsal spine in prone position. Also, the method can be easily implemented in most conventional operating room facilities with minimal surgeon effort and without the need for any additional inventory.

Cortical blindness following spinal surgery: very rare cause of perioperative vision loss

A 38-year-old man was operated with posterior spinal decompression and pedicle screw instrumentation for his L2 fracture with incomplete neurological deficit. In the recovery, he complained of blindness in both eyes after twelve hours. Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance angiography revealed bilateral occipital lobe infarcts. He remained permanently blind even after three years follow-up. Though rare, perioperative vision loss is a potential complication following spine surgery in prone position. We report a rare occurrence of cortical blindness following lumbar spine surgery.

Perioperative vision loss: A complication to watch out

Postoperative vision loss, a rare but devastating complication, has been reported after spine, cardiac, and head–neck surgeries. Its incidence following spine surgeries exceeds that after cardiothoracic surgeries. Various causes attributed to postoperative blindness include ischemic optic neuropathy, central or branch retinal artery occlusion, cortical blindness, and rarely external ocular injury. Other contributory factors described are microvascular diseases and intraoperative hemodynamic compromise. However, the exact association of these factors with postoperative blindness has not yet been confirmed. In this review, we describe causes, presentation, and treatment of postoperative blindness and also recommend practical guidelines to avoid this complication. The search strategies for this review included both search of electronic databases as well as manual search of relevant articles.

Central retinal artery occlusion and third cranial nerve palsy following nasal septoplasty

BACKGROUND

Postoperative vision loss following routine nasal surgery is an extremely rare and devastating complication. We report a case of unilateral blindness due to central retinal artery occlusion associated with third cranial nerve following septoplasty.

CASE REPORT

We report a patient who developed an unusual central retinal artery occlusion with unilateral blindness following nasal surgery under general anesthesia. A 45-year-old man underwent a nasal septal surgery for severe epistaxis. Soon after recovery, the patient noticed loss of vision in his right eye and was unable to lift his upper eyelid. Upon ophthalmic examinations, we determined that he had right-sided third cranial nerve palsy with central retinal artery obstruction and ptosis of right upper eyelid, restriction of ocular movements, and no perception of light in the right eye. Postoperative computerized tomography scan revealed multiple fractures of the left medial orbital wall, including one near the optic canal. Ptosis and ocular defects were recovered partially, but visual loss persisted until the last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This paper highlights one case of complete unilateral blindness from direct central retinal artery occlusion associated with third cranial nerve palsy following an apparently uneventful septorhinoplasty. Ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists should therefore be aware of the possible occurrence of such complications.

Bilateral ischaemic optic neuropathy following laparoscopic proctocolectomy: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative visual loss occurring during non-ocular surgery is a devastating event. Ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION) is a complication described following many procedures. We report the first case of ION occurring during laparoscopic proctocolectomy and discuss the aetiological factors.

CASE HISTORY

A 58-year-old male presented with rectal bleeding and was diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. A very difficult laparoscopic sigmoidectomy and a low anterior resection of the rectum with an end colostomy were carried out. The technical difficulties were due to body habitus and the size and position of the tumour. The operation lasted over six hours. On the first day postoperatively, the patient complained of blurred vision. Examination showed that he had suffered bilateral ION.

DISCUSSION

Despite the growing numbers of laparoscopic operations, ION has rarely been described. The cases that were published involved laparoscopic prostatectomy and a prolonged steep Trendelenburg position. We postulate that the patient presented here had suffered both from a relative hypotension and from an acute rise in the intraorbital pressure due to patient position, both factors combining to cause a disruption to ocular perfusion resulting in ION with severe permanent visual damage.

[Perioperative visual loss after nonocular surgery]

Perioperative visual loss (POVL) after nonocular surgery is a rare but unexpected event and represents a devastating complication. It is most often associated with cardiac, spinal as well as head and neck surgery. The etiology of POVL remains incompletely understood. Any portion of the visual system may be involved, from the cornea to the occipital lobe. The most common site of permanent injury is, however, the optic nerve itself and ischemia is the most often presumed mechanism. Multiple factors have been proposed as risk factors for POVL, including long duration in the prone position, decreased ocular perfusion pressure, excessive blood loss and anemia, hypotension, hypoxia, excessive fluid replacement, elevated venous pressure, head positioning and a patient-specific vascular susceptibility which may be anatomic or physiologic. However, the risk factors for any given patient or procedure may vary. The underlying specific pathogenesis of these neuro-ophthalmic complications remains unknown and physicians should be alert to the potential for loss of vision in the postoperative period. This review updates readers on the incidence, suspected risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of POVL in the setting of nonocular surgery.

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after conventional coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background

Perioperative optic neuropathy is a disease which can lead to serious, irreversible damage of vision. This complication could be the result of non-ocular surgery, for example, cardiac or spinal procedures.

We present a case of anterior ischemic neuropathy (AION) which occurred following a conventional coronary artery bypass graft procedure.

Case Report

A 57-year-old man, 4 days after Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery as result of multi-vessel stabile coronary artery disease and history of anterolateral wall myocardial infarction, was admitted to the Eye Clinic due to significant loss of vision in his right eye. The patient had hypertension and was a heavy smoker. On admission, the slit lamp examination revealed a relative afferent pupillary defect in the right eye. The fundus examination showed optic disc edema with the presence of flame hemorrhages. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.02. The results of eye examination and fluorescein angiography confirmed the diagnosis of AION. Anti-aggregation and antithrombotic treatment was continued with steroids and vasodilators. After 7 days of this treatment we noticed the improvement of BCVA to 0.2. At 6-month follow-up, the vision was stable, and fundus examination revealed optic disc atrophy.

Conclusions

After cardiac surgical operations, such as coronary artery bypass graft procedures, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy may occur. In those cases, close cooperation between the various specialists is necessary.

Transient cortical blindness after heart surgery in a child patient -A case report-

Visual loss occurring after pediatric cardiac surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is relatively rare but the risk is substantial. Compromised cerebral perfusion due to a CPB related micro-embolization and inflammatory vascular changes as well as reduced oxygen carrying capacity in hemodilution and hypothermia during CPB might be major contributing factors to the development of postoperative visual loss after cardiac surgery with CPB. A case of immediate but transient postoperative visual loss was encountered in a 21-month-old male who underwent tricuspid valve surgery. Despite routine intraoperative measures to maintain an adequate perfusion pressure throughout the procedure, postoperative computed tomography revealed a subacute infarct in his occipital lobe. Recovery began on postoperative day 28, and the patient's vision was restored by 31 days.

Perioperative visual loss in ocular and nonocular surgery

Incidence estimates for perioperative vision loss (POVL) after nonocular surgery range from 0.013% for all surgeries up to 0.2% following spine surgery. The most common neuro-ophthalmologic causes of POVL are the ischemic optic neuropathies (ION), either anterior (AION) or posterior (PION). We identified 111 case reports of AION following nonocular surgery in the literature, with most occurring after cardiac surgery, and 165 case reports of PION following nonocular surgery, with most occurring after spine surgery or radical neck dissection. There were an additional 526 cases of ION that did not specify if the diagnosis was AION or PION. We also identified 933 case reports of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), 33 cases of pituitary apoplexy, and 245 cases of cortical blindness following nonocular surgery. The incidence of POVL following ocular surgery appears to be much lower than that seen following nonocular surgery. We identified five cases in the literature of direct optic nerve trauma, 47 cases of AION, and five cases of PION following ocular surgery. The specific pathogenesis and risk factors underlying these neuro-ophthalmic complications remain unknown, and physicians should be alert to the potential for loss of vision in the postoperative period.

Perioperative visual loss: what do we know, what can we do?

Perioperative visual loss (POVL), a rare, but devastating complication, can follow non-ocular surgery. Highest rates of visual loss are with cardiac and spine surgery. The main causes of visual loss after non-ocular surgery are retinal vascular occlusion and ischaemic optic neuropathy. This review updates readers on the incidence, suspected risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of POVL due to these conditions.

[Loss of vision after non-ophthalmic surgery: systematic review of the literature on incidence, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention]

BACKGROUND AND GOAL

Postoperative loss of vision is a rare, but devastating complication after non-ocular surgery. It can occur partially or completely and may involve one or both eyes. Since its etiology has not yet been solved, the purpose of this review was to extract potential causes from the case collections reported to propose prophylactic measures.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using the "Pubmed" database of the US National Library of Medicine. MeSH terms and combinations used were: blindness, postoperative complications, ischemic optic neuropathy, not ophthalmological surgical procedures, not neurosurgical procedures. Additionally, the results of the interim analysis of the postoperative visual loss (POVL) registry of the ASA were considered.

RESULTS

The incidence of permanent loss of vision after non-ophthalmologic surgery is reported to be 0.0008%. However, it is elevated up to 0.11% after cardiac and 0.08% after spine surgery. Risk factors seem to be perioperative anemia, arterial hypotension and prone position, but also pre-existing diseases such as arteriosclerosis. Thus hemodynamic stabilization or correction of anemia may be successful in therapy.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pre-existing arteriosclerotic disease scheduled for spine or cardiac surgery, but also for bilateral neck dissection should be informed preoperatively about the rare possibility of POVL. Postoperatively any visual changes should be immediately referred to an ophthalmologist and treated accordingly.

Cytidine-5'-diphosphocholine (Citicoline): a pilot study in patients with non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Our work evaluates visual function before and after treatment with cytidine-5-diphosphocholine (Citicoline) in patients with non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NION).

METHODS

Twenty-six patients in which at least 6 months elapsed from NION, were randomly divided into two age-similar groups: 14 patients had Citicoline (Cebrolux-Tubilux, Italy, 1600 mg/diem for 60 days, followed by a 120-day period of wash out, days 60-180) (T-NION); 12 patients had no treatment during the same period (NT-NION). At day 180, in T-NION a second period of treatment (days 181-240) followed by a wash-out (days 241-360) was performed. Fourteen age-matched healthy subjects provided normative data. In all patients, pattern-electroretinogram (PERG), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and visual acuity (VA) measurements were performed at baseline and at days 60 and 180. In T-NION, further measurements were achieved at days 240 and 360.

RESULTS

At baseline, NT-NION and T-NION patients showed abnormal PERGs and VEPs, and reduced VA, compared to controls. At the end of treatment (days 60 and 240), T-NION patients showed improvement (P < 0.01) of PERGs, VEPs parameters and VA, compared to pre-treatment values. After wash out, functional improvements persisted compared to baseline. No changes in NT-NION patients were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a beneficial effect of oral Citicoline in NION.

Bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy after transurethral prostatic resection: a case report

Background

Nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy affects the anterior portion of the optic nerve and is characterized by sudden, painless visual loss. The affected eye has a relative afferent pupillary defect. The typical funduscopic appearance includes optic disc edema, with associated nerve fiber layer hemorrhage. Risk factors include advanced age, systemic hypertension, nocturnal hypotension, diabetes mellitus, and a small cup-to-disc ratio. Bilateral presentation is rare. Postoperative optic neuropathy has been associated with nonocular surgery; risk factors include a combination of prolonged surgical times, acute systemic hypotension, anemia due to blood loss, or prone positioning. We report for the first time a patient with bilateral, simultaneous anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after elective transurethral prostatic resection.

Case presentation

A 66-year old man underwent surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The preoperative blood pressure was 140/85 mmHg, hemoglobin 15.9 g/dL, and hematocrit 48.6%. Two hours postoperatively, the blood pressure, hemoglobin, and hematocrit dropped dramatically. One day later, transient horizontal diplopia developed. Funduscopy showed a congenitally small cup-to-disc ratio without papillary edema. Other ocular findings were unremarkable. By 4 days postoperatively, sudden and painless amaurosis bilaterally developed when the patient awoke with nausea and vomiting. Visual acuity was no light perception bilaterally. The optic discs were swollen with small hemorrhages. Scans of the head and orbits and electrolyte levels were normal. There were no responses on visual evoked potentials bilaterally. The blood pressure was 90/50 mm Hg, the hemoglobin 7.0 g/dL, and the hematocrit 22.9%, necessitating infusion of three units of packed red blood cells. The blood pressure, hematocrit, and hemoglobin increased to normal levels. Three months later the visual acuity remained no light perception. The pupils were unreactive and there was marked optic disc atrophy bilaterally.

Conclusion

Bilateral and simultaneous acute ischemic optic neuropathy may be a rare but devastating surgical complication. The combination of anemia and hypotension may increase the risk of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy postoperatively after transurethral prostatic resection.

Visual loss in one eye after spinal surgery

PURPOSE

To report a patient who developed an unusual combination of central retinal artery occlusion with ophthalmoplegia following spinal surgery in the prone position.

METHODS

A 60-year-old man underwent a cervical spinal surgery in the prone position. Soon after recovery he could not open his right eye and had ocular pain due to the general anesthesia. Upon examination, we determined that he had a central retinal artery occlusion with total ophthalmoplegia.

RESULTS

Despite medical treatment, optic atrophy was still present at the following examination. Ptosis and the afferent pupillary defect disappeared and ocular motility was recovered, but visual loss persisted until the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A prolonged prone position during spinal surgery can cause external compression of the eye, causing serious and irreversible injury to the orbital structures. Therefore, if the patient shows postoperative signs of orbital swelling after spinal surgery the condition should be immediately evaluated and treated.

Transient cortical blindness after resuscitation in a child having central venous catheterization under general anesthesia

We describe a case of chronic renal failure developing life-threatening cardiovascular collapse during the insertion of central venous catheter for hemodialysis under general anesthesia in a 7-year-old boy. With timely resuscitation, he regained his vital signs within 20 min. However, after admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, visual impairment and four limb weakness were detected on the first postoperative day. Fortunately, symptoms resolved completely with close observation, psychological support and conservative management within 72 h without sequelae.

Visual Impairment Following Epidural Fluid Injections and Epiduroscopy: A Review

INTRODUCTION

Visual impairment apparently is a rare but significant complication following epidural fluid injection and epiduroscopy. We report a review of cases reported in the literature with the aim of gaining an understanding of how the complication occurs as well as how to avoid it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed using PubMed to find 1) case reports and 2) factors that contribute to the development of visual loss in the cases.

RESULTS

Twelve cases of visual impairment following epiduroscopy or epidural fluid injection have been reported in the literature. The average age of the patients was approximately 50 years, 83.3% of the patients were female, 16.7% were male. Bolus injection of fluid with or without epiduroscopy was considered to be the precipitating event. The volume of solution injected epidurally varied from 20 mL to 120 mL (average = 59.4 mL). The common finding was retinal hemorrhage, with 58.3% occurring bilaterally. Recovery occurred in 79.2% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

Retinal hemorrhage following epidural fluid injections/epiduroscopy apparently is due to an increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure proportional to the rate and the amount of fluid injected. A sudden increase in epidural pressure is transmitted into the subarachnoid space to the optic nerve sheath, compressing the optic nerve and its vasculature. The vasculature compression ruptures retinal blood vessels.

Postoperative visual loss associated with spine surgery

Postoperative visual loss associated with spine surgery is a rare complication with no established definitive etiology. Multiple case reports have been published in the literature, and an overview of the case reports of the various visual disturbances following spine surgery is presented. Our objective was to review the current literature and determine if there were any risk factors that suggest what kind of patients have a higher likelihood of developing postoperative visual loss. Furthermore, analysis of factors common to the cases may offer a better understanding of possible etiologies leading to prevention strategies of postoperative visual loss. We used PubMed to perform a search of literature with spine surgery cases that are associated with visual disturbances. A total of 7 studies representing 102 cases were reviewed and evaluated in regard to age, sex, comorbidities, diagnosis, operative time, blood loss, systolic blood pressure, lowest hematocrit, and visual deficits and improvement. Ischemic optic neuropathy, especially posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, was the most common diagnosis found in the studies. The average age of the patients ranged from 46.5 years to 53.3 years with the majority having at least one comorbidity. Operative time ranged on average from 385 min to 410 min with a median in one case series of 480 min, average blood loss ranged from 3.5 l to 4.3 l and no visual improvement was seen in the majority of the cases. The etiology of postoperative visual loss is probably multifactorial, however, patients with a large amount of blood loss producing hypotension and anemia along with prolonged operative times may be causing a greater risk in developing visual disturbances. An acute anemic state may have an additive or synergistic effect with other factors (medical comorbidities) leading to visual disturbances. Although our study failed to provide definitive causative factors of postoperative visual loss, suggestions are made that warrant further studies.

Visual impairment after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Loss of vision after surgery is rare and has never been reported after a laparoscopic procedure. We describe a case of visual deficits secondary to posterior ischemic optic neuropathy after a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The potential etiologies of postoperative visual loss are reviewed, and recommendations for avoiding this complication are discussed.

The Effect of Body Inclination During Prone Positioning on Intraocular Pressure in Awake Volunteers: A Comparison of Two Operating Tables

Visual loss is a rare, but catastrophic, complication of surgery in the prone position. The prone position increases intraocular pressure (IOP), which may lead to visual loss by decreasing perfusion of the anterior optic nerve. We tested whether the reverse Trendelenburg position ameliorates the increase in IOP caused by prone positioning. Furthermore, we compared two prone positioning set ups. The IOP of 10 healthy awake volunteers was measured in the prone position at 3 different degrees of inclination (horizontal, 10 degrees reverse Trendelenburg, and 10 degrees Trendelenburg) and in the sitting and supine positions in a randomized crossover study comparing the Jackson table and the Wilson frame. In a given eye, all prone IOP values (median [25th-75th percentile] exceeded those of the sitting (15.0 mm Hg [12.8-16.3 mm Hg]) and supine (16.8mm Hg [14.0-18.3 mm Hg]) positions. IOPs in the reverse Trendelenburg, horizontal, and Trendelenburg positions were 20.3 mm Hg (16.3-22.5 mm Hg), 22.5 mm Hg (19.8-25.3 mm Hg), and 23.8 mm Hg (21.5-26.3 mm Hg), respectively (P < 0.001 versus reverse Trendelenburg; dagger P < 0.001 versus horizontal). The reverse Trendelenburg position ameliorated the increase in IOP caused by the prone position. Furthermore, the reverse Trendelenburg position decreased the number of grossly abnormal IOP values (>23 mm Hg) by 50% and 75% compared with the prone horizontal and Trendelenburg positions, respectively. The prone positioning setups did not differ in their effect on IOP. The increase in IOP caused by prone positioning was ameliorated by the reverse Trendelenburg position and was aggravated by the Trendelenburg position. The short time period between changes in position and changes in IOP suggests an important role for ocular venous pressures in determining IOP. Therefore, IOP can be beneficially manipulated by operating table inclination in the prone position.

Spinal anaesthesia for spinal surgery

Spinal anaesthesia for spinal surgery is becoming increasingly more popular because this anaesthetic technique allows the patient to self-position and avoid neurological injury that may occur with prone positioning under general anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia reduces intraoperative surgical blood loss, improves perioperative haemodynamic stability and reduces pain in the immediate postoperative period. This leads to a reduced need for analgesics and a reduction in the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the postoperative setting. Spinal anaesthesia for lumbar spine surgery also decreases the incidence of lower extremity thrombo-embolic complications and does not increase the occurrence of problems with micturition. These benefits increase the patient's satisfaction, and they expedite discharge of the patient from the hospital. Combination anaesthetic techniques, using both subarachnoid and epidural dosing schemes, may be beneficial for improving postoperative pain control and add further to the benefit of spinal anaesthesia for lumbar spine surgical procedures.