Blindness due to Sinus Surgery
The proximity of the sinuses to the eye orbit means that sinus surgery can present a potential threat to the patient's vision.
Endoscopic sinus surgery via the nostrils is a possible and generally effective solution to problems of nasal polyps or chronic sinusitis where alternative treatments have failed. However, severe complications are not unknown including brain damage and blindness.
Nature of visual problems
Accidental damage to the eye orbit during this procedure can cause a range of vision issues including the following:
- A blood clot can impact on the patient's sight
- The patient may start to experience double vision if the muscles which control the eye become damaged
- The patient may lose their sight either temporarily or permanently
Cause of visual problems
Endoscopic sinus surgery involves the insertion of a tube via the nostrils into the sinus cavity to remove polyps and any other blockages in order to relieve symptoms.
The space within which the procedure takes place is, by its very nature, extremely small and the field of vision for the surgeon is extremely limited.
A cut to the lining of the sinus cavity can occur accidentally, thereby breaching the division between the sinus cavity and the eye socket.
This can cause bleeding which can impact on the quality of the patient's vision.
It is also possible for the optic nerve to be damaged which can lead to loss of vision. This may be because the optic nerve has been cut or compressed during the course of the operation. Loss of sight in these circumstances can be partial or total.
Impact of visual problems
Where such an incident occurs, leaving the patient with temporary or permanent blindness, the impact on the patient's ability to work and care for themselves can be devastating.
This, in turn, can have severe financial implications. The patient may no longer be able to work or be severely restricted in what employment they can undertake.
They may require assistance around their home to achieve personal and domestic chores.
Medical negligence
Where this appalling outcome is regarded as the result of medical negligence, such as poor skills or inadequate management of the surgical procedure, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If you or a loved one are suffering with the shocking impact of such an error, contact us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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