Initial experiences of cataract & lens surgery in 1269 patients in outpatient clean rooms using a portable laminar air flow device.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, routine cataract surgery was halted in most countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce transmission. With a consequent lack of theatre space, we developed a safe cataract pathway in outpatient department clean rooms to minimize patient exposure and time spent in hospital using a sterile laminar air flow device. We describe our initial experiences of restarting elective cataract surgery in the UK outpatient setting, outside of the operating theatre environment. METHODS: This was a prospective consecutive study of our clinical practice. A sterile air zone unit, the Toul Meditech Operio Mobile device, was used to create a sterile surgical site in three separate outpatient clean rooms from May 2020 to December 2021 in different geographical locations within Herefordshire, UK. Observations of the time spent in the department and a formal patient satisfaction survey were carried out for the initial 100 patients. All patients were followed up to assess development of post-operative complications. RESULTS: 1269 patients were included in the study. No patients sustained post-operative infection (n = 0/1269, 0%). For the initial 100 patients, the average time spent within the department was 74.3 min (unilateral cases, range 45-115 min) and 93.1 min (bilateral, 55-135 min). Patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: Initial results demonstrate a safe, efficient and effective cataract surgery pathway with high patient satisfaction by converting outpatient clean rooms into ophthalmic operating theatres using the Toul Meditech Operio Mobile.

Excision and delayed reconstruction with paraffin section histopathological analysis for periocular sebaceous carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of excision and delayed reconstruction with rapid paraffin section analysis in patients with sebaceous carcinoma (SC) of the periocular region. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with SC. Patients were identified from a contemporaneously maintained database and medical notes reviewed. Data were collected on known risk factors. Standard management started with conjunctival mapping biopsies. The tumor was excised with a 3-mm clinical margin and sent in formalin for histopathological analysis. The patient went home with dressings and returned 3 days later. Further excision or reconstruction was performed as indicated. Follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had excision and delayed reconstruction with paraffin section control. Ten had clear margins after 1 excision, and 7 were clear after 2 excisions. Reconstructive technique varied according to the defect. Three patients developed further tumor. One of these had a local recurrence treated with further excision and reconstruction. One developed a multicentric tumor with regional metastasis, and the third patient developed distant metastasis. Two patients died from SC. Average follow up was 5 years (2-9 years). CONCLUSIONS: Excision and delayed reconstruction using paraffin section histopathological analysis are in widespread use for the management of basal cell carcinomas in the periocular region. While some authors advocate the use of Mohs' micrographic surgery in patients with SC, this technique has been questioned due to the possible misinterpretation of subtle intraepithelial pagetoid spread with frozen section analysis. To preserve the function of the eyelid and ease of reconstruction, it is important to try and preserve as much healthy tissue as possible while effecting a successful excision. Excision and delayed reconstruction offer an excellent option for the management of this rare and highly malignant tumor.

A reliable surgical technique for the management of growing fractures of the frontal bone involving the orbit.

PURPOSE: Growing fractures involving the orbit occur infrequently. Due to the risk of neurological trauma and the ophthalmic sequelae of progressive intraorbital expansion of the fracture, surgical management is indicated. There is no accepted standard in the approach to the surgical management of these patients. The aim of this paper is to describe a reliable technique for the repair of growing fractures and discuss the long-term outcome. METHODS: We present two cases in which a technique using Norian CRS® (Craniofacial Repair System) fast set putty over a Medpor® scaffold was used to repair a growing fracture. RESULTS: This technique provides a secure repair with a good functional and cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Growing fractures occur in the paediatric population so it is important to ensure that the repair does not restrict or adversely affect future bone growth. One case has been followed-up for over 10 years and has maintained normal growth.

Lens particle glaucoma secondary to untreated congenital cataract and persistent fetal vasculature.

Purpose. To present a case of lens particle glaucoma in a child with an untreated unilateral congenital cataract and persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and to discuss the implications for the management of unilateral congenital cataract.
Methods. A 4-year-old boy presented with a unilateral congenital cataract affecting the right eye. Examination revealed a cataract and PFV. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured 18 mmHg right, 14 mmHg left, and he was managed conservatively. Nine months later, he attended clinic with a painful right eye. He had quiet anterior and posterior segments but free lens particles in the anterior vitreous and an IOP of 12 mmHg. Over 4 weeks, the IOP rose to 23 mmHg and the patient underwent vitreolensectomy.
Results. The affected eye has at no point become inflamed but macrophages laden with lens proteins were identified during histopathologic analysis of the vitreous. The proposed mechanism in this case is that the PFV weakened the posterior capsule leading to its rupture. The resultant macrophages then caused mechanical obstruction of aqueous outflow through the trabecular meshwork.
Conclusions. Lens particle glaucoma secondary to posterior capsular rupture is a rare form of lens-induced glaucoma. It is common practice to manage conservatively those patients who present late with unilateral congenital cataract. This case highlights the need for vigilant follow-up of these patients to enable lens-induced glaucoma to be detected at an early stage.

Sebaceous lymphadenoma: a case report and review of the literature.

An 80-year-old woman presented with a mass in her left parotid region. An ultrasound-guided core biopsy showed sebaceous glands with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed a well-circumscribed lesion within the left parotid gland. The mass was completely excised, and the patient made a full recovery. Sebaceous lymphadenomas of the salivary glands are rare, benign tumors that are effectively treated by complete excision. The challenge that these tumors present lies in their accurate diagnosis. Because of their histologic similarity to related malignant tumors, such as mucoepidermoid carcinomas and sebaceous lymphadenocarcinomas, misdiagnosis could lead to unnecessarily radical treatment. We highlight the need for careful clinical and histologic diagnosis in tumors of the salivary glands.