Assessment of complications of peribulbar block in patients undergoing cataract surgery in tertiary care center – A record-based observational study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the various ocular and systemic complications of peribulbar block in supine posture among patients undergoing cataract surgery in a tertiary care center in Chennai. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of complications that occurred in 880 patients who had been given peribulbar block in supine posture, during 36 months between January 2016 and January 2019 among patients who underwent cataract surgery at a tertiary care hospital. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bronchial asthma, and cardiac illness were excluded from the study. The other exclusion criteria were pediatric age group and trauma. The data thus collected from the records were entered and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: Out of 880 patients operated in a 36-month period at Government Medical College Hospital who received peribulbar block in the supine posture, 42 (4.77%) patients had block-related systemic complications; bradycardia and vasovagal attack-40 (4.54%) patients; brainstem anesthesia and syncope-2 (0.22%). The incidence of orbital complications was 82 (9.31%). Out of the orbital complications, the most common complication was periorbital hematoma occurred in 50 (5.68%), followed by retrobulbar hemorrhage occurred in 32 (3.63%). Conclusion: The observation-based conclusion is various ocular and systemic complications can occur in peribulbar block. Hence, the operation theatre should be equipped with appropriate instruments and trained personnel to deal with all kinds of emergencies.

Keywords

• cataract surgery
• complications
• peribulbar block