Conjunctival pyogenic granulomas after strabismus surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the incidence and evaluate treatment of pyogenic granulomas after strabismus surgery.


METHODS
Retrospective observational case series.


METHODS
Four hundred seventy-nine strabismus surgical patients.


METHODS
Incidence was determined by review of 472 consecutive patients who underwent strabismus surgery from January 6, 1999 to December 29, 2000. Outcomes were evaluated in 7 additional patients who underwent surgical excision of pyogenic granulomas over a 6-year period from July 5, 1995 to September 19, 2001 (exclusive of the years 1999-2000).


METHODS
Development and resolution of pyogenic granulomas.


RESULTS
Pyogenic granulomas developed in 10 of 472 patients (2.1%). None of these patients had more than 1 pyogenic granuloma, despite having had surgery before or after the event. Treatment of pyogenic granulomas with topical corticosteroids was successful in 90% of patients. Surgical excision was successful in the group of 7 additional patients who did not respond to corticosteroids.


CONCLUSIONS
Conjunctival pyogenic granulomas are a potential complication of strabismus surgery. Treatment with topical steroids is an effective initial treatment for most patients with pyogenic granulomas. Surgical excision is effective in patients who do not improve with topical medication. Patients with multiple surgeries do not seem to be at increased risk for pyogenic granulomas, and the occurrence of a pyogenic granuloma does not seem to increase the risk of developing pyogenic granulomas in future surgeries.
Espinoza
Gabriela M
GM
Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Lueder
Gregg T
GT
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017789:Granuloma, Pyogenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013285:Strabismus / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids