Our Summary

This study was conducted to understand how the use of cautery (a process that uses heat to treat body tissue) affects the strength of a specific type of thread (6-0 polyglactin 910) used in eye alignment surgery. Two types of cautery methods were tested: thermal electrocautery with a wire tip and bipolar cautery. The findings show that the thread can be weakened or even broken by thermal electrocautery if it comes into direct contact with the heat source. However, the bipolar cautery method, under usual settings used in eye surgery, does not weaken or break the thread.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of cautery on the tensile strength of sutures used in strabismus surgery?
  2. Does bipolar cautery at typical ophthalmic surgical settings impact the strength of 6-0 polyglactin threads?
  3. Does thermal electrocautery with a wire tip weaken or break 6-0 polyglactin threads?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to avoid direct contact with cautery tools during the procedure, as it can weaken or break sutures used in the surgery. It is important for the patient to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and alignment of the eyes.

Suitable For

Patients with strabismus who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or botulinum toxin injections are typically recommended for strabismus surgery. Additionally, patients with significant misalignment of the eyes, double vision, or amblyopia (lazy eye) may also be candidates for strabismus surgery. The decision to recommend surgery is typically made by an ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s individual case.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with an ophthalmologist to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for strabismus.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation including a comprehensive eye exam, measurements of eye alignment, and discussion of potential risks and benefits of surgery.
  3. Discussion of anesthesia options and pre-operative instructions such as fasting before surgery.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital or outpatient surgery center immediately following the procedure.
  2. Post-operative care instructions including the use of eye drops or ointments, restrictions on activities, and follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist.
  3. Monitoring of eye alignment and visual function in the weeks and months following surgery to assess the success of the procedure.
  4. Possible need for additional surgeries or treatments depending on the individual patient’s response to the initial surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in correcting my specific condition?
  3. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  4. Will I need to wear glasses or use eye drops after the surgery?
  5. How many surgeries might be needed to fully correct my strabismus?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery?
  8. What alternative treatment options are available for my condition?
  9. Will I need to follow a special diet or take any medications before or after the surgery?
  10. Can you explain the specific techniques and tools that will be used during the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Adams C, Brooks SE. Journal: J AAPOS. 2019 Oct;23(5):285-287. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2019.05.001. Epub 2019 May 28. PMID: 31145989