Simultaneous bilateral intraocular surgery in children

Abstract

Background: Simultaneous bilateral intraocular surgery (SBIS), defined as sequential bilateral intraocular surgery completed in one visit to the operating room, is a controversial topic. The reluctance of ophthalmologists to perform SBIS has been mainly attributable to concerns about bilateral catastrophic complications (endophthalmitis, expulsive hemorrhage, or retinal detachment). Herein we report our experience with SBIS in children and review the literature.

Methods: The medical records of 44 patients who underwent 48 cases of SBIS between 1994 and 2009 were reviewed. Of the 48 cases, 27 were bilateral cataract extractions, 1 including intraocular lens placement; 21 were cases of bilateral glaucoma surgeries, including goniotomy, trabeculotomy, and filtering tube placement. Bilateral surgeries were performed in one session under general anesthesia with strict aseptic separation of the 2 surgeries.

Results: All but one of the cataract cases were performed in patients <1 year of age, and the majority (15/27) were performed in patients < or =1 month of age. Postoperative complications included aphakic glaucoma (5 patients) and reproliferation of lens material (3 patients). The majority of patients who underwent glaucoma procedures were <1 year of age (19/21), with 4 of 21 <1 month of age. One eye developed hyphema that required anterior chamber wash out. There were no catastrophic complications from the surgery or anesthesia (death, asphyxia, cardiac or respiratory arrest, or seizures) in either group.

Conclusions: Simultaneous bilateral intraocular surgery was performed safely in 48 cases during a 15-year period. In selected pediatric cases requiring bilateral intraocular surgery for glaucoma or cataract, SBIS may reduce risks related to anesthesia and delayed surgery.