How to Cite
Abstract
Background: To high-light the role of External
Ethmoidectomy in decompressing the orbit to relieve
proptosis and prevent loss of vision due to any pathology
extending from ethmoids into the orbit.
Methods: Ten patients who presented in the OPD of
Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi with proptosis and
change in vision of eye due to infective ethmoiditis were
included in this study . Two(20%) had change in colour
vision indicating that their vision was at stake . These two
patients had emergency external ethmoidectomy
performed to save the eye while the rest of the patients
were electively prepared for this operation. All patients
had pre operative CT scan of Nose , PNS , Orbit and Brain
and all gave informed consent regarding the eye All
underwent external ethmoidectomy operation via Lynch
Howarth approach which not only addressed the Ethmoids
but also the orbit and provided a direct deep in depth view
of both the structures
Results:. Colour vision, vision acuity all returned to
normal in 100% patients within days. Proptosis also
disappeared in all the patients. . There were no major post
operative complications and the minor complications like
external scar , lacrimation and anterior nasal discharge
resolved completely
Conclusion : Orbital complications due to ethmoiditis
should be timely diagnosed to prevent blindness .They
should be treated with such an approach which offers not
only access and illumination to this area but also a good
perception of depth in ethmoids and orbit to prevent
complications like external scar, hemorrhage and
blindness.