Combined deep topical and superior subconjunctival anesthesia for extracapsular cataract extraction in a rural eye camp.
BACKGROUND
Anesthesia for cataract surgery at eye camps needs to be simple, safe, and effective.


METHODS
We prospectively studied 98 patients undergoing cataract extraction in a rural eye camp in Thailand. Patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation (ECCE/IOL) received deep topical anesthesia with subconjunctival anesthesia. Patients undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (Phaco/IOL) received topical anesthesia. Pain visual analog score, operative and anesthetic complications, operative time, and additional medications were recorded.


RESULTS
A mean age of 68.7 vs 67.5 yr, an operative time of 16.1 +/- 6.7 min vs 12.0 +/- 4.7 min, and a median (interquartile range) pain score of 30.5 mm (12.3-54.6 mm) vs 20.0 mm (9.0-45.9 mm) were seen in the ECCE/IOL and Phaco/IOL groups, respectively. Three cases of ruptured posterior capsule occurred in the Phaco/IOL group. No additional anesthesia was needed. No anesthetic complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
In a rural eye camp, deep topical anesthesia with subconjunctival anesthesia for ECCE/IOL and topical anesthesia for Phaco/IOL provide effective anesthesia for cataract surgery.
Tinnungwattana
Uraiwan
U
Relief Division, Relief and Community Health Bureau,Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Gorvanich
Suchaya
S
Kulvichit
Kittisak
K
Tulvatana
Wasee
W
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D019162:Anesthetics, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D003228:Conjunctiva; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008952:Mobile Health Units; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019035:Rural Health Services; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013785:Thailand; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D013748:Tetracaine; D008012:Lidocaine