Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a tool called Mendonça strabismus forceps in locating eye muscles in patients undergoing eye alignment surgery. The study compared the results from first-time surgeries and follow-up surgeries using these forceps. The aim was to avoid unnecessary exploratory procedures during surgery, making the surgery safer and better planned.

The study involved 41 patients who were having eye alignment surgery. The researchers checked how well the Mendonça forceps could locate the eye muscles by comparing measurements taken before surgery using Mendonça forceps and another tool, Castroviejo forceps, to measurements taken during surgery by looking at the muscles directly. If the measurements were within 1 millimetre of each other, the researchers considered the forceps to be reliable.

The results showed that in patients who hadn’t had eye surgery before, Mendonça forceps were able to accurately locate all the muscles. For patients who had undergone previous surgeries, the forceps were also successful, except in one case where the patient had multiple previous surgeries. In follow-up surgeries where the forceps could grasp the muscles properly, 88.8% of the measurements matched. The few cases where measurements didn’t match were due to unusual scarring.

In conclusion, the study found that Mendonça strabismus forceps are a reliable and gentle method to locate eye muscles without needing additional imaging. This tool is cost-effective, simple to use, and provides valuable information for surgeons to plan their surgeries. This method improves the results of surgeries while reducing potential risks.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of using Mendonça strabismus forceps in strabismus surgery?
  2. How reliable is the Mendonça strabismus forceps in locating the extraocular rectus muscles compared to other methods?
  3. What are the benefits of using the Mendonça strabismus forceps in surgical decision-making and planning for strabismus surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications. It is also important to have a clear understanding of the surgical plan and expectations for post-operative care. Additionally, maintaining good communication with the surgical team and reporting any concerns or changes in symptoms promptly can help ensure a successful outcome.

Suitable For

Patients with strabismus who are undergoing primary strabismus surgery or reoperation are typically recommended for Mendonça strabismus forceps. This method is particularly useful for patients with previous surgeries or complex strabismus cases where accurate localization of the extraocular rectus muscles is crucial for successful surgical outcomes. The Mendonça strabismus forceps can help avoid unnecessary surgical exploration, improve surgical planning, and enhance safety during surgery.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery, a patient typically undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the extent of the strabismus and the best course of treatment. This may include visual acuity testing, eye alignment measurements, and possibly imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. The patient and their family will also meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

After the surgery, the patient will typically experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye area. They may be prescribed eye drops or ointments to help with healing and prevent infection. The patient will also need to follow up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Overall, the goal of strabismus surgery is to improve the alignment of the eyes and enhance the patient’s vision and quality of life. With proper care and follow-up, most patients experience significant improvements in their eye alignment and visual function after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will Mendonça strabismus forceps be used in my surgery?
  2. What are the benefits of using Mendonça strabismus forceps compared to other methods?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with using Mendonça strabismus forceps?
  4. How will the information gathered from using Mendonça strabismus forceps impact my surgical outcome?
  5. Can you explain the process of locating the extraocular rectus muscles with Mendonça strabismus forceps in more detail?
  6. Are there any limitations to using Mendonça strabismus forceps in my specific case?
  7. How will the information gathered from using Mendonça strabismus forceps affect the planning of my surgery?
  8. What are the success rates of using Mendonça strabismus forceps in patients with prior surgeries compared to those undergoing primary surgeries?
  9. How will the use of Mendonça strabismus forceps potentially reduce the need for unnecessary surgical exploration?
  10. Are there any alternative methods to locating the extraocular rectus muscles that you would recommend considering for my surgery?

Reference

Authors: Borges Corrêa A, Rossetto JD, Mendonça TS. Journal: J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024 Nov-Dec;61(6):404-409. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20240508-08. Epub 2024 Jun 27. PMID: 38940312