Traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage: emergent decompression by lateral canthotomy and cantholysis

Lateral Canthotomy and Cantholysis: Emergency Management of Orbital Compartment Syndrome

“…Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LCC) is a simple procedure, which, when performed expeditiously, can be vision saving (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). A case report is presented, followed by a review of the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology, technique, and potential complications of the procedure.…”

Acute Retrobulbar Hemorrhage: an ophthalmologic emergency for emergency physician.

“…[21] Visual loss generally develops as a result of the CRA occlusion, direct compression to the optical nerve or to the blood vessels feeding the optical nerve. [8] It should also be kept in mind that visual loss may also develop after blunt ocular trauma due to retinal detachment, hyphema, rupture of the globe and vitreous haemorrhage. Although the mechanism of visual loss is not clear, recovery of vision after decompression suggests that ischemia and reperfusion lie under the pathogenesis of this condition.…”

“…[8] Lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis were recommended in many studies. [4,8,32] Canthotomy and inferior cantholysis can easily be performed under the conditions of a simple outpatient clinic or emergency room under local anesthesia. [4,8] It is favourable that decompression surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist.…”

“…[4,8,32] Canthotomy and inferior cantholysis can easily be performed under the conditions of a simple outpatient clinic or emergency room under local anesthesia. [4,8] It is favourable that decompression surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist. However, under emergency conditions if an ophthalmologist cannot be reached, LCC should be performed immediately by a trained medical doctor.…”

“…It may develop after orbital surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, retrobulbar and peribulbar injection, spontaneously with facial and craniofacial traumas or trauma surgery. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] As a complication of orbital or periorbital surgery, orbital hemorrhage may develop particularly when the orbital septum is passed. [13,14] …”