Surveillance of emergency canthotomy and cantholysis in the UK
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Surveillance of acute orbital compartment syndrome requiring emergency canthotomy and cantholysis in the UK
IRAS ID
185089
Contact name
Sri Kamalarajah
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Acute orbital compartment syndrome occurs when there is a precipitous rise in intra-orbital pressure, causing optic nerve compromise. It is a potentially reversible cause of vision loss. It requires urgent orbital decompression by lateral canthotomy and cantholysis in order to restore or preserve vision and is therefore a true ophthalmic emergency.
This study aims to determine the incidence, aetiology, assessment and visual outcome in patients requiring lateral canthotomy/cantholysis for acute orbital compartment syndrome in the UK. It will be the first national epidemiological study of this emergency procedure in any country and so will make a significant contribution to the understanding of this rare ophthalmic emergency.
Our results will be of benefit to those designing, commissioning and reviewing services including provision of on-call cover and determining the geographic size of such an area. By identifying demographic factors and regional variation in the aetiology of compartment syndrome requiring cantholysis, this study will help inform future studies addressing local needs to ensure best care for patients is provided.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0096
Date of REC Opinion
29 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion