Peribulbar vs. incisionless sub-Tenon's blocks: a retrospective cohort study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology
• Regional Anesthesia

Background:

• Ophthalmic surgeries increasingly utilize regional anesthesia.
• Peribulbar block and incisionless sub-Tenon's block are common techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare peribulbar block with incisionless sub-Tenon's block.
• To evaluate perioperative complications in cataract and vitreoretinal surgeries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing two anesthesia groups.
• Patients undergoing cataract or vitreoretinal surgery included.
• Anesthesia-related complications were the primary outcome measure.

Main Results:

• 125 patients included: 48 peribulbar block, 77 incisionless sub-Tenon's block.
• One case of retrobulbar hemorrhage in the peribulbar block group; no major complications in the other group.
• Minor complications (chemosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage) were initially higher in the incisionless sub-Tenon's block group but balanced postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Incisionless sub-Tenon's block showed no major complications.
• Minor complications were more frequent initially with incisionless sub-Tenon's block but resolved.
• Incisionless sub-Tenon's block is a safe and effective alternative for ophthalmic procedures.