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Pattern of Ophthalmic Consult from the Ear, Nose and Throat Ward of a Tertiary Hospital
Abstract
Objective: To study the pattern and indications for ophthalmic
referral of patients with otorhinolaryngology problems.
Method: A retrospective study of patients who were admitted
into the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) ward of the University
College Hospital, Ibadan and had ophthalmic referral between
July 2000 and June 2004. The parameters evaluated were the
demography of the patient, indication for ophthalmic consult,
and the contribution of the ophthalmologist towards the
management of the patient.
Results: Reports on 26 patients on whom ophthalmic consults
were sent were available for review. This accounted for 3%
of the patients admitted during the period under review.
Fourteen (53.8% ) of the consults were sent on account of
proptosis and 7 (26.9%) for complaints of poor vision. In 12
(46.2%) of these patients, the otorhinolaryngological
diagnosis was sinonasal tumour. The ophthalmologist made
positive contributions to the management of 20 (76.9%) of
the patients. These included the use of lubricants/protective
shield (6 [23.1%]), tarsorrhaphy (3 [ 11.5%]), antiglaucoma
medication (2[7.7%]) and cataract extraction (2[7.7%]).
Conclusion: Proptosis ranked highest for ophthalmic consult
from the ENT ward in this review. Close collaboration
between subspecialties should be encouraged when managing
visually-threatening conditions. There is also the need for a
standard referral protocol.
referral of patients with otorhinolaryngology problems.
Method: A retrospective study of patients who were admitted
into the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) ward of the University
College Hospital, Ibadan and had ophthalmic referral between
July 2000 and June 2004. The parameters evaluated were the
demography of the patient, indication for ophthalmic consult,
and the contribution of the ophthalmologist towards the
management of the patient.
Results: Reports on 26 patients on whom ophthalmic consults
were sent were available for review. This accounted for 3%
of the patients admitted during the period under review.
Fourteen (53.8% ) of the consults were sent on account of
proptosis and 7 (26.9%) for complaints of poor vision. In 12
(46.2%) of these patients, the otorhinolaryngological
diagnosis was sinonasal tumour. The ophthalmologist made
positive contributions to the management of 20 (76.9%) of
the patients. These included the use of lubricants/protective
shield (6 [23.1%]), tarsorrhaphy (3 [ 11.5%]), antiglaucoma
medication (2[7.7%]) and cataract extraction (2[7.7%]).
Conclusion: Proptosis ranked highest for ophthalmic consult
from the ENT ward in this review. Close collaboration
between subspecialties should be encouraged when managing
visually-threatening conditions. There is also the need for a
standard referral protocol.
