A comparison of infero-nasal and infero-temporal sub-Tenon's block

Sub-Tenon's anaesthesia: a well tolerated and effective procedure for ophthalmic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To report recent advancements with sub-Tenon's anaesthesia for ocular surgery, accentuating the efficacy and safety of this technique. Further clinical implications are reviewed with regard to its technique, indications, benefits, and reported complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sub-Tenon's anaesthesia, a versatile and technically easy procedure to master, has gained popularity with both ophthalmic surgeons and anaesthetists. This block is achieving repute as the block of choice, providing anaesthesia as well as akinesia during ophthalmic surgery. As the technique has further evolved and novel cannulae introduced, increasing complications have been documented.

SUMMARY

Currently, there is no absolutely well tolerated orbital regional block technique. However, well founded evidence appears to support sub-Tenon's block as a safer option. Sound knowledge of orbital anatomy, pharmacology of anaesthetic agents, and prevention of potential complications are therefore crucial to perform sub-Tenon's block effectively and safely.

[Impact of hyaluronidase on anesthetic distribution in retrobulbar region following sub-Tenon anesthesia]

BACKGROUND/AIM

Sub-Tenon's block is nowadays commonly used in ophthalmic surgery because of its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of the anaesthetic solution with different amounts of hyaluronidase in the retrobulbar space, following an injection into the Sub-Tenon's space.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 40 pig cadaver heads were used (80 eyeballs). The material was divided into four groups (of 20 eyeballs each). Each group was administered 4.5 ml of a mixture of 2% lignocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, and 0.5 ml of Indian ink, with different amounts of hyaluronidase--15 IU/ml, 75 IU/ml, 150 IU/ml, except the control one. Samples of retrobulbar tissue were analysed using the standard histopathological procedure. After that, they were also analysed using the Adobe Photoshop program (Windows, USA). The retrobulbar space was divided into eight zones by four perpendicular lines, which crossed in the centre of the optic nerve. The presence of ink in fat and muscle tissues and in the sheath of the optic nerve was observed.

RESULTS

The presence of the local anaesthetic solution was significantly higher in inferonasal and superonasal quadrants of the fat and muscle tissues (p < 0.01). The distribution in optic nerve sheath is similar in each quadrant. Distribution of local anesthetic in each zone of the muscle tissue (I-VIII) was strongly influenced by the amount of hyaluronidase added. In the fat tissue, the distribution of local anesthetic under the influence of hyaluronidase was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the areas which were distant from the place of injection (I-IV). The distribution in the optic nerve sheath is significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the group with 150 IU/ml of hyaluronidase.

CONCLUSIONS

Following a sub-Tenon block local anaesthetic was present in the retrobulbar space in a high percentage of the cases. The presence of local anaesthetic solution in retrobulbar space depends on the amount of hyaluronidase previously added to the local anaesthetic.