Unilateral postoperative visual loss in a patient undergoing hip arthroscopy in the supine position: a case report.
10.4097/kjae.2016.69.2.197
- Author:
Joohyun LEE
1
;
Ji Hyun CHIN
;
Won Uk KOH
;
Young Jin RO
;
Hong Seuk YANG
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hsyang@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Air embolism;
Arthroscopy;
Postoperative period;
Retinal artery occlusion;
Visual loss
- MeSH:
Arthroscopy*;
Embolism, Air;
Hip*;
Humans;
Orthopedic Procedures;
Postoperative Period;
Retinal Artery Occlusion;
Retinaldehyde;
Supine Position*
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2016;69(2):197-199
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Micro-emboli have been reported to occur commonly during arthroscopic surgery, which is frequently performed as an orthopedic surgical procedure. We here report a patient who experienced unilateral postoperative visual loss after a hip arthroscopy using irrigation fluid in the supine position without any evidence of external compression to either eye throughout the surgical procedure. Retinal fundoscopy suggested that the patient had central retinal artery occlusion, one of the causes of the postoperative visual loss. This case suggests that arthroscopic surgery may pose a substantial risk for paradoxical air embolism, such as central retinal artery occlusion, and suggests the need to prevent the entry of micro-air bubbles during such a type of surgery.
