Penetrating retrobulbar orbital foreign body: a transcranial approach.

Abstract

We report the successful removal of a retrobulbar foreign body using a transcranial approach in a 63-year-old patient with a penetrating injury to the left eye. Initial ocular examination revealed a corneoscleral laceration, hyphema, a traumatic cataract, and vitreous hemorrhage. Visual acuity consisted only of the perception of hand motion. Computed tomography demonstrated an orbital foreign body in the retrobulbar area. Emergency corneoscleral suturing, phacoemulsification of the cataract, and vitrectomy with posterior vitreous detachment were performed. Fifteen days after the emergency operation, we successfully removed the orbital foreign body using a transcranial approach, although the foreign body was very close to the optic nerve. On fundus examination 6 months later, a white, fibrous lesion was seen inferior to the optic disc, and the corrected visual acuity was 20/30. These positive results may be due to the complete vitrectomy at the correct time performed by a retina specialist and the minimal pressure on the eyeball while removing the foreign body, which resulted from the use of a transcranial approach.

• Authors: In-Young Chung, Seong-Wook Seo, Yong-Seop Han, Eurie Kim, Jin-Myung Jung
• Journal: Yonsei medical journal (Yonsei Med J) Vol. 48 Issue 2 Pg. 328-30 (Apr 30 2007) ISSN: 0513-5796 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 17461536 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Accidents, Occupational
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Foreign Bodies (surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Orbital Diseases (surgery)
• Wounds, Penetrating (etiology, surgery)