Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Apr 2011
ReviewIschemic optic neuropathy and implications for plastic surgeons: report of a new case and review of the literature.
Postoperative visual loss is a rare and devastating complication after nonocular as well as ocular surgery. A case of such a complication arising as a consequence of nonocular surgery prompted a review of the literature, and an appraisal of current theories on etiology, risk factors, and potential treatment options, as well as implications for informed consent. It is clear from our review that all patients undergoing both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery are at risk. ⋯ Ischemic optic neuropathy can be a devastating complication of surgery. Plastic surgeons need to be aware of the risks, as well as the signs and symptoms, and counsel at-risk patients accordingly because of the potentially devastating nature of this complication. There are significant implications in relation to informed consent, underscored by the legal case of Rogers v Whitaker, 67 ALJR 47 (Aust 1992), which highlights the importance within the consent process of complications threatening sight, no matter how small.