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Published on: February 15, 2022
[Postoperative visual disturbances after non-ophthalmic surgery]
Masahiko Kawaguchi1, Hironobu Hayashi, Naoko Kurita
1Department of Anesthesiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522.
Masui. the Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology
|August 26, 2009
Summary
Postoperative visual disturbances are rare but serious complications after non-ophthalmic surgeries like spine or cardiac procedures. Risk factors and specific types of visual loss vary depending on the surgery type, necessitating increased awareness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Context:
- Visual disturbances, including visual loss, are rare but severe complications following non-ophthalmic surgical procedures.
- Incidence rates vary significantly, ranging from 0.028% to 0.2% after spine surgery and 0.0009% to 25.6% after cardiac surgery.
- Etiologies include ischemic optic neuropathy, central retinal artery occlusion, and cortical blindness.
Purpose:
- To review the incidence, etiologies, and risk factors of visual disturbances after non-ophthalmic surgeries.
- To differentiate the prevalence and risk factors of visual disturbances between spine and cardiac surgery.
- To emphasize the need for heightened awareness and further research among anesthesiologists and surgeons.
Summary:
- Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy is most common after spine surgery, associated with prone positioning, long operative times, hemorrhage, and anemia.
- Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is more prevalent after cardiac surgery, linked to age, diabetes, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, and anemia.
- Anesthesiologists and surgeons must be aware of these potential visual complications.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing and managing postoperative visual disturbances.
- Underscores the need for further investigation into the prevention and treatment of these rare but devastating complications.
- Aims to improve patient outcomes by increasing clinician awareness of surgical risks to vision.
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