Subcutaneous eyelid emphysema as a possible complication of endonasal endoscopic dacryocstorhinostomy

    

    Abstract

    Subcutaneous eyelid emphysema as a possible complication of endonasal endoscopic dacryocstorhinostomy

    Shlyakhtov M.I., Naumov K.G.

    IRTC Eye Microsurgery Ekaterinburg Center, Ekaterinburg

    Periorbital subcutaneous emphysema, most often seen after trauma or stomatology procedures, is an unexpected and extremely rare condition after endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EEDCR). It may be misdiagnosed as angioneurotic edema or eyelid phlegmon. The authors studied 2 011 cases of uncomplicated EEDCR and found 22 cases of periorbital edema with crepitation in the early post-op period. The analysis did not discover a significant dependence of complications on the technique of operations. In all cases subcutaneous emphysema has developed on the second-third day after successful EEDCR. Patients questioning showed that the reason of complication was sneezing or forced nose blowing. Subcutaneous eyelid emphysema after EEDCR is a rare complication and makes, according to our data, only 1 % of all operations. In most cases it regresses spontaneously but requires control of patients' visual functions. Patients should be recommended to avoid actions which can cause strong changes of pressure, such as strong cough, sneezing, and effort.

    Key words: endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, emphysema, complication.

    

    Information about the authors

    Shlyakhtov Mikhail Ivanovich, Head of Lacrimal surgery and Oculoplastic Dept., IRTC Eye Microsurgery Ekaterinburg Center, Email: kurs@eyeclinic.ru

    Naumov Konstantin Georgievich, ophthalmosurgeon, Lacrimal surgery and Oculoplastic Dept., E-mail: kostn@yandex.ru