Real-time ultrasound-guided retrobulbar block vs blind technique for cataract surgery (pilot study)

• Main Authors: Zaghloul Foad A, Mansour MA, Badry Ahmed M, Elgamal HR, Elmekawey Ibrahim HE, Elawamy A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2018-12-01
• Series: Local and Regional Anesthesia
• Subjects: ultrasound - retrobulbar block- cataract -Prospective observational study
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/real-time-ultrasound-guided-retrobulbar-block-vs-blind-technique-for-c-peer-reviewed-article-LRA

Ahmed Zaghloul Foad,1 Mohammed Ahmed Mansour,2 Mahmoud Badry Ahmed,1 Hany R Elgamal,1,3 Hany Elmekawey Elmekawey Ibrahim,4 Abdelraheem Elawamy5 1Kasr Alainy, Cairo University, Haram, Giza, Egypt; 2Kasr Alainy, Cairo University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt; 3Kasralainycairo University, Elmariotia, Haram, Giza, Egypt; 4Kasralainycairo University, Elharam, Giza, Egypt; 5Asiout University, Asyut, Egypt Background: Retrobulbar regional eye block aims to ensure eye globe akinesia and anesthesia during ophthalmic surgery, and despite the rarity of occurrence of complications due to the blind needle passage while performing either peribulbar or retrobulbar block, some of them are serious and may be life threatening. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the accuracy and safety of real-time ultrasound-guided retrobulbar regional anesthesia in comparison with the blind technique for cataract surgery. Design: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial.Methodology: A total of 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria were registered in our research and were divided into two groups: 15 patients received real-time ultrasound-guided retrobulbar block compared to 15 patients who received the block using the blind technique.Results: One patient out of the 30 was excluded from the analysis, and no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the onset of akinesia, numeric pain rating scores, rate of complications, and degree of patient and physician satisfaction.Conclusion: There were no statistically significant difference between real-time ultrasound-guided and blind retrobulbar regional eye blocks concerning the onset of action, total volume of injected local anesthetic solution, supplemental injection required, pain scores, and degree of patient satisfaction. Keywords: ultrasound, retrobulbar block, cataract, prospective observational study