Towards an evolution in ambulatory surgery for orbital floor repair? Our experience over a period of 11 years

Abstract

IntroductionOrbital floor fracture repair is a complex surgery with intra-orbital hematoma being the most feared complication as it can lead to visual loss if not treated in good time. This is why currently patients are monitored for almost 48 hours as inpatients. The purpose of this study was to find out if orbital floor repair surgery could be safely undertaken as a day case by reviewing the experience of the last 11 years at the Caen University Hospital. Materials and methodsA retrospective, monocentric study was conducted at the Caen University Hospital. All patients undergoing orbital floor reconstruction in a trauma setting from January 2008 to December 2019 were included. ResultsOf the 130 included patients, none presented a post-operative complication such as intra-orbital hematoma. 3 patients had their surgery performed as a day case. DiscussionIn the literature, more and more surgeons are proposing orbital floor fracture repair to be undertaken as day case. Indeed, the theoretical risk of intra-orbital hematoma is greater within the first 6 hours after surgery and can persist up to 10 days postoperatively. Provided patients meet the classic criteria for outpatient surgery, and are provided with a precise post-operative care protocol. Under these conditions, orbital floor fractures may be repair in ambulatory surgery.