pH-adjusted periocular anaesthesia for primary vitreoretinal surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of pH-adjusted bupivacaine in conjunction with medial orbital periconal block (periocular anaesthesia). Methods: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing primary vitreoretinal surgery were enrolled prospectively. Results: Adequate anaesthesia and akinesia with no intraoperative supplementation was achieved in 53 eyes (88.3%). Factors influencing intraoperative supplementation were combined vitrectomy with scleral buckling (p=0.005) and duration of surgery of more than 2 hours (p=0.001). No ocular or systemic complication resulted. Conclusion: pH-adjusted periocular anaesthesia is safe and effective in patients undergoing primary vitreoretinal surgery.

Keywords

• pH-adjusted bupivacaine
• periocular anaesthesia
• primary vitreoretinal surgery