title: [Patient suitability for cataract surgery under local anesthesia].
abstract: In the past two decades local anesthesia has emerged as a reliable, safe and cost-effective first choice for cataract surgery in adults. However, the technique is not totally devoid of inherent risks, and requires not only an experienced and well-trained surgeon but also a cooperative patient. Thus, only the patient who is able to communicate, lie still in the supine position, and tolerate their face being covered by a drape is a suitable candidate for local anesthesia. In addition, the preoperative assessment should include particular features of the globe and orbit which may affect the operation as well as a history of allergy to local anesthetics. Finally, it is important to respond to patient preferences and wishes. A careful, patient selection for local anesthesia reduces the risk of surgical cancellation or delay and is essential for patient satisfaction and a successful visual outcome following cataract surgery.
authors.affiliation: Klinicki centar Srbije, Beograd, Institut za anesteziju i reanimaciju. gvlajkov@Eunet.y
authors.forename: Gordana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vlajković
authors.forename: Radomir
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sindelić
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marjanović
authors.forename: Miroslav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Knezević
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection