ENT Surgeon Perforation of Medial Orbital Wall During Ethmoidectomy
ENT Surgeon Perforation of Medial Orbital Wall During Ethmoidectomy
Expert analysis assessed whether the failure to obtain an ophthalmologic consultation in the immediate post-operative period constituted a breach of the standard of care.
Case Summary
Evaluated a surgical complication case in which perforation of the medial orbital wall during an ethmoidectomy caused damage to the medial rectus muscle and an orbital hematoma, with no timely ophthalmologic consultation obtained post-operatively.
Background
During a routine ethmoidectomy, an ENT surgeon perforated the medial orbital wall, resulting in injury to the medial rectus muscle and the formation of an orbital hematoma. No ophthalmologic consultation was requested in the immediate post-operative period to evaluate for elevated intraocular pressure and potential compromise of retinal blood flow.
Expert Analysis
- Review of operative and post-operative records from the ENT surgeon
- Assessment of the intraoperative complication and its known ophthalmologic sequelae
- Evaluation of standard protocols for ophthalmologic consultation following orbital wall breach
- Analysis of the risk of elevated IOP and retinal vascular compromise in the setting of orbital hematoma
- Determination of whether timely ophthalmologic evaluation could have altered the clinical outcome
- Review of whether the post-operative care met the accepted standard of care
Testimony Provided
Provided expert opinion on whether the failure to obtain an ophthalmologic consultation in the immediate post-operative period, following a recognized orbital complication, constituted a breach of the standard of care.