title: Sub-Tenon block: a learning curve of 100 cases.
abstract: This study measures the learning curve for accomplishing sub-Tenon blocks for ophthalmic surgery applicable to anaesthetists skilled in peribulbar techniques. We defined criteria for a good block in terms of chemosis, subconjunctival haemorrhage, globe movement and the need for additional peribulbar block. The overall success rate, by our definitions, was 72% and 56% for the two operators. The overall requirement for an additional peribulbar block was 10%. The rate of additional blocks and reduction in globe movement reached a plateau after about 60 procedures for both operators. The rates of chemosis (6% and 12% overall) and subconjunctival haemorrhage (6% and 12% overall) did not trend with increased experience. The results applied to both a cataract and a vitreo-retinal surgery casemix.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Roberton
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Plummer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013285:Strabismus / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine