A comparison of sub-tenon block with peribulbar block in small-incision cataract surgery

To compare the efficacy and safety of sub-tenon block to peribulbar block with respect to analgesia, akinesia, and complications.

It is an observational study conducted at a government hospital in Karnataka. Seventy patients who came to the ophthalmology OPD for small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) under local anesthesia were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups of 35 as per the surgeon. The pain was evaluated at the time of administration of the block, during the surgery, and during the postoperative period of 4 h. Akinesia was noted in both the groups and the time of onset of akinesia was noted. Any complications associated with the block such as chemosis or subconjunctival hemorrhage were also noted. Statistical analysis was done using PSS version 25.0, where P < 0.05 was considered significant.

The baseline pain score was higher in the peribulbar group (1.57). The onset of akinesia was faster in sub-tenons (90.34 s). Complete akinesia was achieved in 82.9% of patients after peribulbar block. There was no significant difference in complications in both groups.

Sub-tenons block is an effective and safer technique of ocular anesthesia for SICS. It can be considered as an alternative to the conventional peribulbar block for SICS.