Background. Peri-orbital surgical emphysema is a rare complication that can occur after lac-rimal surgery. It has only been described in isolated cases, following external dacryocystorhinostomy (n = 2) and Lester Jones tube insertion (n = 1).Method. A retrospective, non-comparative case series was conducted of patients who developed surgical emphysema following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Results. A total of 356 endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy cases (primary, n = 316; revision, n = 40) were performed over a six-year period. Seven cases of post-operative surgical emphysema were identified, all of which were preceded by uncontrolled sneezing, nose-blowing or coughing within the first week of surgery. The occurrence of surgical emphysema post-endo-scopic dacryocystorhinostomy in our centre was 7 in 356, or 2 per cent, over six years. Conclusion. This is the first study to report the occurrence of surgical emphysema post-endo-scopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Clinicians may wish to suggest patients stifle the aforementioned triggers within the first week to reduce the potential for surgical emphysema.
展开▼
