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Blindness: A potential complication of bilateral neck dissection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. J. M. Balm ,
D. H. Brown ,
W. A. E. J. De Vries  and
G. B. Snow
A. J. M. Balm*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head Neck SurgeryFree University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
D. H. Brown
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology/Head Neck SurgeryFree University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
W. A. E. J. De Vries
Affiliation:
Department of Ophthalmology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
G. B. Snow
Affiliation:
Department of Ophthalmology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
*
Dr. A. J. M. Balm, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Free University Hospital, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Tel. (20) 5486690.
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Abstract

Permanent blindness, is a very rare, but devastating complication of simultaneous bilateral neck dissection. Most otolaryngologists/head and neck surgeons are unaware that amaurosis can result from this surgery, and this paper is meant as a poignant reminder of that end. A case report is presented, followed by a discussion of possible aetiology; a management protocol is proposed.

Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 104 , Issue 2 , February 1990 , pp. 154 - 156
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1990

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