Global InformationCanthotomy information
| Canthotomy | |
|---|---|
 Eye anatomy demonstrating the medial canthus | |
| Pronunciation | kăn-thŏt′ə-mē |
| Other names | Lateral canthotomy, canthotomy with cantholysis |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology and emergency medicine |
| Complications | Iatrogenic globe injury, bleeding, infection |
Canthotomy (also called lateral canthotomy and canthotomy with cantholysis) is a surgical procedure where the lateral canthus, or corner, of the eye is cut to relieve the fluid pressure inside or behind the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOC).[1] The procedure is typically done in emergency situations when the intraocular pressure becomes too high, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness if left untreated.[2]
The most common cause of elevated intraocular pressure is orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) caused by trauma, retrobulbar hemorrhage, infections, tumors, or prolonged hypoxemia.[3] Absolute contraindications to canthotomy include globe rupture. Complications include bleeding, infections, cosmetic deformities, and functional impairment of eyelids.[3] Lateral canthotomy further specifies that the lateral canthus is being cut. Canthotomy with cantholysis includes cutting the lateral palpebral ligament, also known as the canthal tendon.
- ^ Nagelhout, John J.; Plaus, Karen (2009). "Chapter 40. Anesthesia For Ophthalmic Procedures". Nurse Anesthesia. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 963. ISBN 9780323081016. Retrieved March 24, 2023 – via Google Books.
Canthotomy is a procedure performed to increase the orbital space by cutting the lateral canthus. This procedure reduces the orbital pressure that results from a retrobulbar hemorrhage.
- ^ McInnes, Gord; Howes, Daniel W. (January 2002). "Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis: a simple, vision-saving procedure". CJEM. 4 (1): 49–52. doi:10.1017/s1481803500006060. ISSN 1481-8035. PMID 17637149.
- ^ a b Rowh, Adam D.; Ufberg, Jacob W.; Chan, Theodore C.; Vilke, Gary M.; Harrigan, Richard A. (March 2015). "Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis: emergency management of orbital compartment syndrome". The Journal of Emergency Medicine. 48 (3): 325–330. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2014.11.002. ISSN 0736-4679. PMID 25524455.