An alternative technique of local anesthesia for vitreoretinal surgery
M. A. Friedberg, F. A. Spellman, A. R. Pilkerton, L. E. Perraut Jr and R. F. Stephens
Department of Ophthalmology, Washington Hospital Center, DC.
Retrobulbar anesthesia produces effective local anesthesia for ocular
surgery, but significant complications have been reported with its use. To
maintain its efficacy and to minimize the risks associated with the passage
of a needle behind the eye, we have placed local anesthesia into
sub-Tenon's space posteriorly using a blunt irrigating cannula in 100
patients undergoing vitreous or retinal procedures. Posterior Tenon's
capsule is opened by blunt dissection, allowing the irrigating cannula to
be passed into the posterior sub-Tenon's space for anesthetic injection.
The technique was effective in 98 of 100 patients, and no morbidity was
associated with its use.
