Dilated pupil during endoscopic sinus surgery: what does it mean?

Pharmacological pupil dilatation after sinus surgery

Orbital complications after endoscopic sinus surgery are serious problems. Inadvertent contamination of the eye by pharmacological solution can lead to early postoperative anxiety to patients and high concern to surgeons. This is a rare case report of retrograde epinephrine flow through lacrimal duct in sinus surgery with learning tips during postoperative assessment for reassurance in temporary pharmacological effect rather than serious complication.

Case report: unilateral mydriasis following nasal cautery

We report a case of unilateral mydriasis following nasal electrocautery presumed to be the result of retrograde flow of adrenaline and/or xylometazoline hydrochloride (Otrivine) through the nasolacrimal duct into the eye. We review the literature and highlight the importance of correct interpretation of finding a dilated pupil post-operatively. To our knowledge. we report the first such case involving xylometazoline hydrochloride and also following nasal electrocautery. Unilateral mydriasis is alarming after nasal surgery but must be interpreted with caution. During minimally invasive procedures it is likely to be due to the effects of topical medication to the nose rather than surgical trauma.

Intraoperative dilated pupil during nasal polypectomy

In endoscopic sinus surgery, it is often desirable to prepare the nasal mucosa with a nasal decongestant to minimise blood loss and enhance the operative field during surgery. A widely used commercially available preparation for such a purpose is a solution containing 5% Lidocaine Hydrochloride and 0.5% Phenylepherine Hydrochloride. We report a case of a unilateral dilated pupil occurring during nasal polypectomy. A dilated pupil during sinus surgery is associated with an intraorbital injury but many commonly used nasal decongestive agents can also cause mydriasis and this knowledge may prevent some anxiety for the unwary ENT surgeon undertaking sinonasal surgery.

Ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery

The intimate anatomical relationship between the orbit and the paranasal sinuses places the orbit and its contents at risk of harm from primary pathologic processes of the sinuses. In the absence of ophthalmic signs or symptoms, ophthalmologists are not routinely involved in the management of patients with sinus disease. Occasionally, some patients may develop ophthalmic complaints after surgical intervention. The orbit, optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and lacrimal drainage system are susceptible to injury during endoscopic sinus surgery. The risk of injury is related to the skill of the sinus surgeon, history of previous surgery, extent and severity of disease, and anatomic variation. Furthermore, recent advances in endoscopic sinus surgery, in particular the use of powered cutting instruments, has resulted in a novel mechanism of injury to the ocular structures.