Orbital emphysema after transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy treated with needle decompression. (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rico Santos, Elisabet; Campos Mollo, Ezequiel; Cabrera Beyrouti, Rubén; Navarro Hernández, Elena
• Is Part Of: Orbit. Volume 39:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Emergency orbital decompression -- laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy -- needle decompression -- Orbital emphysema -- transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy; Eye-sockets -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Eye-sockets -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Orbit -- surgery -- Periodicals; Orbital Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/01676830.2019.1688360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-6830

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Orbital emphysema is an abnormal presence of air in the orbit. It usually arises after blunt trauma or periorbital surgery. When it occurs after dacryocystorhinostomy, usually it is reported as a benign condition. We present a case of a severe orbital emphysema secondary to transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy. The day after the surgery, the examination revealed crepitant periorbital swelling, general restriction of extraocular motility, visual loss and intraocular pressure of more than 70 mmHg. A computed tomography showed a massive orbital emphysema. An emergency decompression, using a 25-gauge needle attached to an empty syringe lacking a plunger was performed, achieving a quick decrease of intraocular pressure and pain and swelling improvement. Then, in this case, orbital decompression by passive airflow using a needle without a plunger was an effective treatment method to resolve a serious orbital emphysema after transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy.