Sudden transient blindness following ureteroscopy: an uncommon complication of a common procedure (a case report)

Pan Afr Med J. 2024 Apr 22:47:201. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.201.42952. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Perioperative vision loss following non-ophthalmic surgical procedures represents a rare but potentially serious complication. Although its occurrence in urology is infrequent, the consequences for patients and legal implications are significant. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with no notable medical history, treated for renal lithiasis. Following the ureteroscopy, the patient experienced a sudden reduction in visual acuity. The diagnosis made was that of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy. This case illustrates a rare complication associated with ureteroscopy, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and rigorous postoperative monitoring, especially in patients with risk factors such as anemia or hypertension. Fortunately, the patient's rapid and complete recovery is encouraging, suggesting that early identification and appropriate management can lead to a favorable prognosis.

Keywords: Blindness; case report; intraoperative complications; ureteroscopy; urology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Blindness* / diagnosis
  • Blindness* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Calculi / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic* / diagnosis
  • Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Ureteroscopy* / adverse effects
  • Ureteroscopy* / methods
  • Visual Acuity