Dacryocystorhinostomy in elderly patients: regional anesthesia without cocaine

Elderly patients with nasolacrimal obstruction who are in poor health often pose a special anesthetic and surgical risk. General anesthesia and the use of cocaine packs may be contraindicated because of potentially dangerous side effects. Regional block dacryocystorhinostomy has gained popularity in all adult patient groups, but specifically it appears to be the procedure of choice in elderly patients. It is well suited for either hospital-based or ambulatory care. We describe our experience with the procedure in 25 consecutive patients (28 procedures), with emphasis on modification of our standard technique to suit regional blockade. Mechanisms of cocaine toxicity in the surgical setting are reviewed, and a method of local anesthesia without cocaine nasal packing is presented.