Single-prick infiltration anesthesia for external dacryocystorhinostomy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure to restore tear drainage.
• Local anesthesia is commonly used, but patient acceptance and pain levels can vary.
• Optimizing anesthetic techniques is crucial for patient comfort and surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of single-prick local infiltration anesthesia for external DCR.
• To assess complications associated with this anesthetic method.
• To determine patient acceptance and satisfaction with the anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection from 463 patients undergoing external DCR.
• All surgeries performed under single-prick local infiltration anesthesia by one surgeon.
• Pain assessed using Verbal Rating Scale (VRS); patient comfort and re-anesthesia preference recorded.

Main Results:

• Mean operative duration was 15.50 minutes.
• Patients reported mild pain (VRS 3-4) during bone removal and flap formation, and no pain (VRS 0-2) during skin incision and wound closure.
• No additional anesthesia was required; no intraoperative nausea or vomiting occurred. The majority preferred the same anesthesia for future procedures.

Conclusions:

• Single-prick local infiltration anesthesia is a safe and effective option for external DCR.
• The technique demonstrates good patient acceptance and satisfaction.
• This method minimizes pain and avoids complications like nausea and vomiting.