Management of ocular perforations resulting from peribulbar anaesthesia

• Main Authors: Puri Pankaj, Verma Dinesh, McKibbin Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 1999-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Peribulbar anaesthesia; perforation; vitrectomy; photocoagulation; cryotherapy
• Online Access: http://www.ijo.in/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=1999;volume=47;issue=3;spage=181;epage=183;aulast=Puri

Purpose: To analyse the clinical presentation and outcome of treatment for globe perforation secondary to peribulbar anaesthesia. Methods: Eight patients (3 females and 5 males) aged 66-84 years were included in the study. Ocular perforations were suspected in 3 cases before or during surgery, in 4 cases diagnosis was established within one week and in one case at 3 weeks. Three patients underwent indirect argon laser photocoagulation to seal the retinal break, one patient had cryotherapy, 3 patients underwent a pars plana vitrectomy with fluid gas exchange and endolaser; and one patient refused any further treatment. Results: The final visual acuity after a mean follow up of 14 months was better than 6/9 in 2 patients, between 6/9-6/12 in 4 patients, and perception of light in 2 patients. Conclusion: If diagnosed early and treated adequately, a majority of patients with globe perforation during periocular anaesthetic could be saved