Retrobulbar hemorrhage after 12,500 retrobulbar blocks.
To determine the incidence of hemorrhage after retrobulbar nerve block, 12,500 consecutive cases were reviewed. Fifty-five retrobulbar hemorrhages occurred after retrobulbar injection, a prevalence of 1 in 227 (0.44%). This compares favorably with the quoted prevalence of 1%-3% in the literature. Acquired vascular disease was a significant risk factor (P < 0.017). Surgery was postponed in 41 (75%) of the cases in which a hemorrhage developed. Although retrobulbar hemorrhage is considered a serious complication of retrobulbar anesthesia, the eventual visual outcome after surgery in these patients was not significantly different from the control group.
Edge
K R
KR
Department of Anesthesia, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nicoll
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009915:Orbit / Q000294:innervation*; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology