Assisted local anaesthesia for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) is typically performed under general anesthesia.
• Local anesthesia techniques for EDCR may reduce risks associated with general anesthesia, especially in elderly patients.
• Benefits include reduced bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and hospital stay, leading to cost savings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and patient acceptance of a minimally invasive assisted local anesthetic technique for EDCR.

Main Methods:

• A prospective questionnaire-based study.
• 24 adult patients underwent 26 EDCR procedures (22 primary, 4 revision) under local anesthesia and sedation.
• Procedures were performed by a single surgeon over a 4-month period.

Main Results:

• No anesthetic complications were reported, except for one case of persistent postoperative vomiting.
• No instances of epistaxis occurred.
• The mean pain score was 1.56 (0-10 VAS), with 56% reporting no pain. 92% would recommend the procedure.

Conclusions:

• The assisted local anesthetic technique for EDCR is safe and acceptable to patients.
• This technique provides a favorable alternative to general anesthesia for EDCR.