A catheter technique in ophthalmic regional anaesthesia. Clinical investigations.
BACKGROUND
Usually general anaesthesia is chosen if ophthalmic surgery of longer duration is expected. Our goal was to introduce a flexible catheter preoperatively into the extra- or intraconal space and to provide sufficient anaesthesia by continuous administration of a local anaesthetic via the catheter.


METHODS
The continuous anaesthetic technique was applied in 28 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. An indwelling catheter was introduced in 20 patients into the intraconal and in 8 patients into the extraconal space. In 6 patients, the position of the catheter was controlled by ultrasound examination prior to the injection of the local anaesthetic agent.


RESULTS
For all patients adequate anaesthesia could be achieved and maintained with continuous retrobulbar administration (CRA) of a local anaesthetic by catheter. There were two patients who experienced moderate pain intraoperatively during continuous peribulbar administration (CPA). No complications occurred with the placement of the catheters. The catheter did not disturb the surgeon or the process of the ophthalmic surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuous administration of a local anaesthetic agent via an indwelling catheter into the intraconal space allowed ophthalmic anaesthesia without time restriction. Thus, CRA is a good alternative to general anaesthesia for patients undergoing long-lasting ophthalmic surgery.
Gombos
K
K
2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
László
C J
CJ
Hatvani
I
I
Vimláti
L
L
Salacz
G
G
D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
D000779:Anesthetics, Local