[Subtenon anesthesia by single injection at the inner canthus for surgery of the posterior segment].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a new technique of local anesthesia namely caruncular anesthesia (subtenon anesthesia by single injection at the inner canthus of the eye) in vitreoretinal surgery.


METHODS
We carried out a prospective study from June 2002 to May 2004. We performed 140 consecutive vitreoretinal procedures that lasted less than two hours: 56% were endovitreal, 36% were episcleral and 8% were combined.


RESULTS
The delay for anesthesia onset was 6 min (average time). We obtained a complete akinesia score in 83% of cases. Our reinjection rate was 11%. Sedative supplementation was given peroperatively in 11% of the cases. Surgeon satisfaction was complete in 78% of the cases, and patients satisfaction was complete in 84% of the cases. No complications were observed during the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Caruncular injection as local anesthesia is an interesting technique for vitreoretinal surgery. Subtenon anesthesia is an interesting efficacious and secure technique that can be used during long and painful interventions with satisfactory results.
El Matri
L
L
Departement d'Ophtalmologie, Service B, Institut Hédi Rais d'Ophtalmologie de Tunis. rlimaiem@yahoo.fr
Limaiem
R
R
Mghaieth
F
F
Bukta
M
M
El Asmi
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local