Delayed emergence from anaesthesia and bilateral mydriasis following bilateral pallidotomy

Abstract

Pallidotomy is a surgical procedure done widely for Parkinson's disease and various dystonias refractory to medical treatment. The technique involves radiofrequency (RF) thermal coagulation of globus pallidus internus, either unilaterally or bilaterally. The technique has been shown to produce good success. However, the involvement of nearby vital structures can result in new post-operative complications. We encountered a case of delayed emergence from anaesthesia associated with bilateral mydriasis and visual field defects in a patient after bilateral RF thermal lesioning.

Keywords

• Dystonic disorders
• mydriasis
• pallidotomy
• visual field defects