Limbal sub-Tenon's administration of retrobulbar anesthesia using a blunt irrigating cannula.
OBJECTIVE
To eliminate sharp needles when administering local anesthesia to the eye in order to reduce serious complications caused by needle perforation.


METHODS
After topical anesthesia, limbal conjunctival incision, and sub-Tenon's dissection, a retrobulbar irrigation of an equal mixture of bupivacaine (5 mg/ml) and lidocaine (20 mg/ml) was given using a blunt cannula.


RESULTS
The technique was used in both vitreoretinal surgery (n = 70) and anterior segment surgery (n = 235) with good analgesic and akinetic effects. No serious adverse were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
This proved to be a safe and efficient technique that abandoned the use of sharp needles.
Bergman
L
L
Department of Opthalmology, Karolinska Institute, St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Berglin
L
L
Algvere
P V
PV
Laurell
C G
CG
Stenkula
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000601:surgery; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005205:Fascia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D009915:Orbit; D012160:Retina / Q000601:surgery; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine; D002045:Bupivacaine