Peribulbar Block Research Articles

Brainstem Anesthesia and Cardiac Arrest Following Peribulbar Block: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: We report a case of brainstem anesthesia (BSA) and subsequent cardiac arrest following a routinary peribulbar block (PB) in a patient scheduled for cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, thus providing a reference for further analysis of this potentially catastrophic life-threatening complication and to evaluate the current knowledge in terms of incidence, physiopathology management, and treatment of the BSA following PB. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) were checked to perform a systematic review of all available studies in the English Language following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate relevant studies that clearly described BSA following BSA. Results: Our literature search identified 15 cases. All the patients experienced BSA-related symptoms, including respiratory arrest, seizure, heart rate, and blood pressure abnormalities. All the patients with respiratory arrest required assisted ventilation with intubation, whereas patients with seizures were administered intravenous midazolam. Only one patient experienced cardiac arrest and underwent cardiac resuscitation. Surgery was aborted and deferred in 5 out of 15 patients, whereas 4 out of 15 underwent surgery after extubation. Conclusions: Despite the BSA incidence after the PB being very low, this possible life-threatening rare event should be considered in patients losing their consciousness and becoming apneic after the block. Therefore, prompt recognition and immediate treatment are paramount to cope with this potentially catastrophic scenario and save the patient's life.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Pre-Emptive Peribulbar Blocks with Different Local Anesthetics or Paracetamol Using the Adequacy of Anesthesia Guidance for Vitreoretinal Surgeries: A Preliminary Report.

Precisely selected patients require vitreoretinal surgeries (VRS) performed under general anesthesia (GA) when intravenous rescue opioid analgesics (IROA) are administered intraoperatively, despite a risk of adverse events, to achieve hemodynamic stability and proper antinociception and avoid the possibility of intolerable postoperative pain perception (IPPP). Adequacy of anesthesia guidance (AoA) optimizes the titration of IROA. Preventive analgesia (PA) techniques and intravenous or preoperative peribulbar block (PBB) using different local anesthetics (LAs) are performed prior to GA to optimize IROA. The aim was to analyze the utility of PBBs compared with intravenous paracetamol added to AoA-guided GA on the incidence of IPPP and hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing VRS. A total of 185 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery (VRS) were randomly assigned to one of several anesthesia protocols: general anesthesia (GA) with analgesia optimized through AoA-guided intraoperative remifentanil opioid analgesia (IROA) combined with a preemptive single dose of 1 g of paracetamol (P group), or PBB using one of the following options: 7 mL of an equal mixture of 2% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine (BL group), 7 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine (BPV group), or 7 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine (RPV group). According to the PA used, the primary outcome measure was postoperative pain perception assessed using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), whereas the secondary outcome measures were as follows: demand for IROA and values of hemodynamic parameters reflecting quality or analgesia and hemodynamic stability. A total of 175 patients were finally analyzed. No studied PA technique proved superior in terms of rate of incidence of IPPP, when IROA under AoA was administered (p = 0.22). PBB using ropivacaine resulted in an intraoperative reduction in the number of patients requiring IROA (p = 0.002; p < 0.05) with no influence on the dose of IROA (p = 0.97), compared to paracetamol, and little influence on hemodynamic stability of no clinical relevance in patients undergoing VRS under AoA-guided GA. PA using paracetamol or PBBs, regardless of LAs used, in patients undergoing VRS proved no advantage in terms of rate of incidence of IPPP and hemodynamic stability when AoA guidance for IROA administration during GA was utilized. Therefore, PA using them seems no longer justified due to the potential, although rare, side effects.

A Method of Tumescent Anesthesia Based on Facial and Cervical Nerve Block for Face and Neck Liposuction.

Liposuction of the face and neck is a common treatment for fat deposition. If conventional methods are used for tumescent anesthesia, patients will experience pain, affecting their surgery experience. Using general anesthesia for liposuction of the face and neck can increase the cost to the patient and cause various adverse effects. The authors selected appropriate parts of the patient's neck, angle of the mandible, and face as needle entry points, and performed nerve block in different directions. Afterward, we performed facial liposuction on these patients and evaluated their level of pain. This study included a total of 20 female participants who underwent facial liposuction after a nerve block. The Visual Analog Scale score of the 20 participants was 0.55 (±0.60). There were no significant adverse reactions during the treatment process, and all patients expressed satisfaction with this treatment. In this article, the authors present a method of tumescent anesthesia based on facial and cervical nerve block that significantly reduces the pain associated with facial and neck liposuction, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and enhancing the patient's comfort during the procedure.

Peribulbar Block for Cataract Surgery in Patient with Nystagmus and Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Management of presenile cataracts with nystagmus and chronic kidney (CKD) disease is a separate problem in anesthetic procedures. The risk of anesthesia in patients with chronic kidney disease is accumulation of nephrotoxic metabolites, unstable hemodynamic during intraoperative, and fluid overload.Case: A 43-year-old man with a diagnosis of immature presenile cataract with nystagmus and comorbid CKD was planned for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens. The anesthetic technique used was regional anesthesia with peribulbar block. Site injections in the inferotemporal and medial canthus with local anesthetic drugs levobupivacaine 0.5% 5 ml and lidocaine 2% 3 ml.Discussion: Combination of peribulbar block and mild sedation provides effective analgesic and anxiolytic effects. Peribulbar blocks in nystagmus besides sensory blocks can also block motoric function so that the position of the eyeball is in center.Conclusion: The peribulbar blockade anesthetic technique can be considered as an alternative safe anesthetic technique for cataract surgery with nystagmus and CKD.

Comparative Study between Rocuronium And Magnesium Sulfate as Adjutants to Regional Anesthesia for Ophthalmic Surgeries using Peribulbar Block

Abstract Background Peribulbar anesthesia is frequently used in cataract surgeries. Compared to retrobulbar anesthesia, this approach is associated with less significant consequences. However, it has the disadvantages of a slower onset of orbital akinesia and the frequent requirement for block supplementation. Aim of the Work To evaluate the effect of addition of magnesium sulfate and rocuronium to standard local anesthetics mixture on the time of onset of globe and lid akinesia and corneal anesthesia for peribulbar block in ophthalmic surgeries. Patients and Methods This Prospective Double-blinded Randomized Study was carried out in the ophthalmic surgery unit, Ain Shams university hospital from January 2019 to April 2020. After institutional Ethical Board approval and obtaining written informed patients’ consents, 75 patients from both sexes, ASA physical status I-III, aged 40-80 years and having an Axial globe length less than or equals 26 mm scheduled for cataract surgery under peribulbar block were included in the study. Results Our study found statistically significant more rapid onset of action (mean time to start surgery) in rocuronium group (7.00±1.22) than control group and magnesium sulfate group (9.00±1.47 and 9.00±1.15) respectively, (p &amp;lt; 0.001); Moreover, no statistically significant difference was reported between control group and magnesium sulfate group. In addition, no significant difference was reported regarding duration of surgery between groups Conclusion Adding Rocuronium to local anesthetic mixture in peribulbar block during cataract surgery enhances ocular akinesia and corneal anesthesia and reduces the need for supplementary injections with no side effects and that was significantly better than Magnesium sulfate in term of rapid onset and time needed to achieve adequate condition to begin surgery. However, adding Magnesium sulfate showing good results regarding akinesia, corneal anesthesia and need for supplementary injections but it did not significantly fasten the onset of block and hence the time to start surgery.

Contralateral anaesthesia following peribulbar block- Unveiling a rare ocular complication

Peribulbar anesthesia is a common regional block in intraocular surgeries with an excellent safety profile. We report a rare case of contralateral loss of accommodation and extraocular muscle palsy following peribulbar block (PBB). A patient with right-eye pterygium was planned for pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft under PBB. After PBB, the patient developed blurring of vision and loss of extraocular muscle movements in the contralateral eye. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the brain and orbit was unremarkable. The patient was stabilized, and surgery was deferred. The patient’s vision and extraocular movements returned spontaneously after 4–5 hours.

Effects of addition of fentanyl to lidocaine plus adrenaline during peribulbar anaesthesia for cataract surgery: A prospective study

Background: Local anaesthesia is most commonly used for cataract surgery in adult patients. Different combinations of local anesthetic agents and adjuvants have been used to provide adequate anaesthesia and analgesia. This study assessed the effect of adding 25 µg fentanyl to lidocaine with adrenaline mixture on the onset and duration of anaesthesia in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery under peribulbar anaesthesia. Methods: This was a double blind, randomized controlled study. Adult patients aged 40 years and above with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classes 1 and 2 undergoing cataract surgery under peribulbar block (PB) were studied. Sixty-six patients were randomized into two equal groups. Group A had 25 µg fentanyl (0.5 mL) added to 6 mL of 2% lidocaine with adrenaline while Group B had sterile water 0.5 mL added to 6 mL of 2% lidocaine with adrenaline for PB. Onset and duration of lid akinesia, globe akinesia, globe anaesthesia, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score, time to analgesia request as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction were assessed. Results: The differences in the onset of lid akinesia, globe akinesia, and globe anaesthesia between the two groups were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The mean duration of globe akinesia and globe anaesthesia was longer in Group A as compared to Group B (P = 0.008 and P = 0.009, respectively). Statistically significant differences in median NRS scores were found at the 4th, 5th, and 6th h (P = 0.001, respectively). The mean duration to analgesia request was 238.1 ± 65.5 min in Group A compared to 207.2 ± 49.1 min in Group B (P = 0.034). Conclusion: The addition of 25 µg fentanyl to 2% lidocaine plus adrenaline mixture improved the quality of peribulbar anaesthesia and is recommended in Nigerian adults scheduled for cataract surgery under peribulbar anaesthesia to improve their surgical experience.

Dexmedetomidine addition to local anesthetic mixture for peribulbar anesthesia in strabismus surgery

Aim To evaluate the effect of the addition of dexmedetomidine to the local anesthetic mixture for peribulbar anesthesia in strabismus surgeries. Methods A randomized controlled study included 58 patients who were divided into two groups, group І: included 29 patients who received peribulbar block by a mixture of local anesthetics only, and group II: included 29 patients who received peribulbar block by a mixture of local anesthetics with dexmedetomidine. All cases underwent preoperative full ophthalmic examination. The onset and duration of sensory block, onset and duration of motor block, hemodynamic parameters, sedation level, and duration of analgesia were assessed. Results The onset of sensory and motor block was shortened (P =0.021 and &lt;0.001, respectively) and their duration was prolonged (P &lt;0.001) and the duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in the dexmedetomidine group (P &lt;0.001). Dexmedetomidine group achieved higher sedation scores and lower intra and early postoperative pain scores (P 0.001 and &lt;0.001, respectively) with higher levels of patient and surgeon satisfaction. Conclusion The addition of dexmedetomidine with the local anesthetic mixture for peribulbar anesthesia in strabismus surgeries accelerates the onset of anesthesia and akinesia of the globe and prolongs their duration. It extends the time to the first analgesic request and enhances the satisfaction of both patients and surgeons.

Augmented reality for facilitation of paediatric peribulbar block administration - A case report.

Augmented reality for facilitation of paediatric peribulbar block administration - A case report.

Comparative study between 0.5% bupivacaine versus 0.5% ropivacaine in peribulbar anesthesia for cataract surgery

Background: For intraocular surgery, the optimal local anesthetic agent must have a rapid onset of action and a sufficient duration of effect so as to enable a painless, motionless procedure without prolonging akinesia. Aims and Objective: This prospective, comparative observational study compares ropivacaine and 0.5% bupivacaine for cataract surgery peribulbar block. Hyaluronidase is utilized in both groups because it promotes local anesthetic diffusion. Material and Methods: Present prospective, observational, comparative study performed at the Department of Anesthesia Tertiary Care Teaching Institute of India for the duration of 1 year. All eligible patients were allocated in two groups as GROUP B and GROUP R. GROUP B: 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 15 I.U./mL of hyaluronidase. GROUP R: 10 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and 15 I.U./mL of hyaluronidase. Patients were assessed for sensory block, eyelid, and ocular movements at an interval of 2 min, and Visual Analog Scale score for pain assessment. Results: Age and gender did not differ significantly between the two study groups, according to the findings. Comparable and similar patient characteristics distinguished the two study groups. (P&gt;0.05). The difference in onset of eyelid motor blockade between the two groups was not statistically significant. The difference in the onset of motor blockade [ocular movement] between the two groups was not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). (P&gt;0.05) Analgesia duration differed significantly between the two groups in a statistical sense. Ropivacaine exhibits a significantly prolonged duration of analgesic effect than bupivacaine (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Peribulbar block utilizing 0.5% ropivacaine is a more favorable and secure option for a local anesthetic that effectively extends postoperative pain alleviation, in comparison to the use of 0.5% bupivacaine.

Study of Topography of Stylomastoid Foramen With Respect to Nearby Landmarks to Carry Out Facial Nerve Block With Minimum Complications.

Nadbath facial nerve block is the most common procedure to anesthetize the facial nerve at stylomastoid foramen in intraocular surgeries, but it is associated with complications. Also, this foramen exhibits ethnic and racial variations with regard to its location. There is scanty literature describing the topographical location of this foramen. So, the study is carried out. The purpose of the study is to describe the topography of stylomastoid foramen from the surrounding landmarks so that Nadbath facial nerve block can be performed with minimum complications. The study was conducted using 80 adult dry skulls of unknown age and sex, and the distance of this foramen was measured from the tip, upper end, and lower end of the anterior border of the mastoid process and jugular foramen. The statistical analysis consisting of mean, SD, median, range mode, and t test was calculated. Mean distances of stylomastoid foramen from the upper end, the lower end of anterior border and tip of mastoid process and jugular foramen on right side were 1.5±0.16, 1.02±0.09, 0.84±0.09, and 0.49±0.06cm and those on left side were 1.5±0.16, 1.02±0.09, 0.84±0.09, and 0.5±0.06cm, respectively. The mode of these distances was 1.5, 1, 0.8, and 0.5, both on the right and left sides. The topographic information about stylomastoid foramen given in this study is useful to anesthetists to carry out Nadbath facial nerve block successfully with minimum complications.

Possibility of Using Surgical Pleth Index in Predicting Postoperative Pain in Patients after Vitrectomy Performed under General Anesthesia.

Adequacy of anesthesia concept (AoA) in the guidance of general anesthesia (GA) is based on entropy, and it also reflects the actual depth of anesthesia and the surgical pleth index (SPI). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the potential existence of relationships between SPI values at certain stages of the AoA-guided GA for vitreoretinal surgeries (VRS) and the incidence of intolerable postoperative pain perception (IPPP). A total of 175 patients were each assigned to one of five groups. In the first, the VRS procedure was performed under GA without premedication; in the second group, patients received metamizole before GA; in the third, patients received acetaminophen before GA; in the fourth group, patients received Alcaine before GA; and, in the peribulbar block group, the patients received a peribulbar block with a mix of the solutions of lignocaine and bupivacaine. Between the patients declaring mild and statistically significant differences in the IPPP in terms of SPI values before induction (52.3 ± 18.8 vs. 63.9 ± 18.1, p < 0.05) and after emergence from GA (51.1 ± 13 vs. 68.1 ± 8.8; p < 0.001), it was observed that the patients postoperatively correlated with heart rate variations despite the group allocation. The current study proves the feasibility that preoperative SPI values help with predicting IPPP immediately after VRS under AoA guidance and discrimination (between mild diagnoses and IPPP when based on postoperative SPI values) as they correlate with heart rate variations. Specifically, this applies when the countermeasures of IPPP and hemodynamic fluctuations are understood to be of importance in reducing unwelcome adverse events.

Comparison between dexmedetomidine and neostigmine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine and lidocaine in peribulbar block for cataract surgery.

Comparison between dexmedetomidine and neostigmine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine and lidocaine in peribulbar block for cataract surgery.

Comparative study between rocuronium and magnesium sulfate as adjuvants to local anesthetics for peribulbar block

Background &amp; Objective: Peribulbar anesthesia is frequently used in cataract surgeries. Compared to retrobulbar anesthesia, this approach is associated with less significant consequences. However, the prolonged onset of orbital akinesia and the frequent need for block replenishment are considered drawbacks. We aimed to investigate the impact of adding rocuronium and magnesium sulfate to a commonly used local anesthetic combination on the onset of corneal anesthesia and the degree of lid and globe akinesia during peribulbar block in ocular surgeries.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: This prospective double-blinded randomized study was conducted in the ophthalmic surgery operating theater, Ain Shams University Hospital from January 2019 to April 2020. We enrolled 75 patients from both sexes, with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I–III, ages 40-80 y, and an axial globe length less than or equal to 26 mm planned for cataract surgery under peribulbar block in the study following institutional ethical board approval and written informed patient consents. Patients were randomly divided into three groups, 25 patients per group, based on the drugs they received: Group O (control group): received local anesthetic + 0.9% normal saline (1 ml). Group M: received local anesthetic + magnesium sulphate 50 mg in normal saline. Group R: received local anesthetic + rocuronium at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg (maximum 5 mg) in normal saline.&#x0D; Results: Our study found statistically significant more rapid onset of action (mean time to start surgery) in rocuronium group (7.00 ± 1.22 min) than control group and magnesium sulfate group (9.00 ± 1.47 and 9.00 ± 1.15 min) respectively, (P &lt; 0.001); Moreover, no significant difference was noted between control group and magnesium sulfate group. In addition, no relevant difference was reported regarding duration of surgery between the groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: During cataract surgery, the addition of rocuronium to the local anesthetic mixture in the peribulbar nerve block has been found to enhance ocular akinesia and corneal anesthesia. Furthermore, the use of rocuronium demonstrated a significantly faster onset and shorter time needed to achieve the appropriate conditions to initiate the surgical procedure compared to the use of magnesium sulfate. Addition of magnesium sulfate showed good results regarding akinesia, corneal anesthesia and need for supplementary injections but it did not significantly fasten the onset of block and hence the time to start surgery.&#x0D; Key words: Cataract; Magnesium Sulfate; Peribulbar Block; Rocuronium&#x0D; Citation: Nagy M, Abo El-Ella S, El-Shafey MA, Helal AM, Zekry MR. Comparative study between rocuronium and magnesium sulfate as adjuvants to local anesthetics for peribulbar block. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):55−61; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1.2157&#x0D; Received: February 18, 2023; Reviewed: July 30, 2023; Accepted: December 23, 2023

Comparison of Levobupivacaine over Lignocaine for Peribulbar Anesthesia in Cataract Surgery – A Randomized Control Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Introduction: Regional anesthesia is a better alternative whenever general anesthesia is undesirable or contraindicated. Peribulbar block is considered preferable over retrobulbar block in achieving anesthesia for intraocular and extraocular surgeries. It is widely used because it is easier to perform. Objectives: This study compares the efficacy of levobupivacaine over lignocaine for peribulbar anesthesia in cataract surgery. Methods: A prospective, randomized double-blinded study comparing levobupivacaine for peribulbar anesthesia in cataract surgery was done with 30 patients in each group. Included patients were randomly categorized into Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 received lignocaine with adrenaline and Group 2 received 0.5% levobupivacaine with main outcome variables of the study intraoperative and postoperative pain, motor sensory onset, akinesia score, and analgesia duration. Results: In both the groups, there was no significant difference in terms of age and gender. There was statistical significance between the two groups in terms of motor blockade. There is a significant mean difference between Group 1 and Group 2 when compared with akinesia score with P &lt; 0.05. The pain was less in Group 2 than Group 1. There is no significant difference in both when compared with verbal pain score. Heart rate and blood pressure showed a difference. Conclusion: Topical anesthesia with levobupivacaine was more effective than lignocaine surgeries with better analgesia and lesser complication.

Pain Management Strategies before Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to consolidate key findings regarding the efficacy of pain relief medications administered prior to pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) for diabetic retinopathy (DR). A comprehensive search of major databases from 1993 to 2023 was conducted. Clinical trials comparing pain relief drugs before PRP in patients diagnosed with DR requiring PRP treatment were eligible for inclusion. The assessment of pain scores involved the use of various scales, such as the visual analog scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), verbal rating scale (VRS), and other ordinal pain scales. In addition, laser parameters were taken into consideration during the analysis. Twenty-two clinical trials from initial 150 studies were included in the review. Nine studies evaluated the pain relief effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories NSAIDs (selective NSAID and nonselective NSAID), two studies compared the effects of opioids (conventional opioids and atypical opioids), and eleven studies investigated the effects of benzodiazepines, lidocaine, and other sedatives. This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies reporting pain as an adverse outcome of PRP in patients with advanced DR. Based on the evidence from reviewed clinical trials, the administration of lidocaine 2% via transconjunctival, retrobulbar, or peribulbar block along with specific NSAIDs, such as topical ketorolac administrated 24 hours before treatment or oral diclofenac potassium (50 mg) prior to PRP, demonstrated beneficial effects among patients with DR.

Overcoming Challenges: A Case Report of Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine Sedation and Peribulbar Block for Pediatric Ocular Surgery with Difficult Airway Predictors

Children usually require general anesthesia when undergoing ophthalmic surgery since they are unable to cooperate and remain motionless during the procedure. Although most cases are straightforward, a subset of patients may have genetic syndromes or metabolic diseases associated with difficult intubation. A 10-year-old boy with an undiagnosed neurological condition and multiple predictors of difficult airway was scheduled for a cataract surgery. The preoperative evaluation showed a history of unsuccessful intubation attempts. Therefore, we decided not to induce general anesthesia and provide a sedation with dexmedetomidine and ketamine combined with a peribulbar block. Our positive experience demonstrates that there may be safe alternatives to general anesthesia for pediatric ophthalmic surgery, particularly when securing a definitive airway poses significant challenges.

Correlation of axial length with minimal effective volume of peribulbar block

Cataract remains the most common cause of blindness worldwide and surgery is the only option to get rid of a cataract. Good anaesthesia is an essential requirement for performing safe cataract surgery. Peribulbar block using regional anaesthetic is the most common technique of administrating anaesthesia for cataract extraction. The study aimed to know the relationship between the axial length and the minimal effective volume of the peribulbar block. The study was done in a hospital based in the rural area of Panipat. It was a cross-sectional study done on patients who underwent cataract surgery and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on axial length and were given peribulbar block using 2% lignocaine with 1500 IU of hyaluronidase of 6 ml and 8 ml. The subsequent doses of the block were given in those in which adequate response was not present. The study includes 100 patients divided into two groups. The patients in group 1 had axial lengths between 21-23.99 mm and the second group included patients with axial lengths of 24-26.99 mm. In group 1 the volume of peribulbar block given was higher than that in group 2. The maximum number of patients in group 1 (34) were given an 8 ml block and those in group 2 were given a 6 ml of block. The study had a p-value of 0.02. In our study, we found that axial length has a negative correlation with the volume of the peribulbar block. It was also seen that there was an increase in IOP with more amount of local anaesthetic used in the peribulbar block.

Assessment of the learning curve of peribulbar blocks using the Learning-Curve Cumulative Sum Method (LC-CUSUM): an observational study

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the learning curves of peribulbar anesthesia and estimate the number of blocks needed to attain proficiency. MethodsAnonymized records of sequential peribulbar blocks performed by first-year anesthesia residents were analyzed. The block sequential number and the outcomes were extracted from each record. Success was defined as a complete sensory and motor block of the eye, and failure was defined as an incomplete block requiring supplemental local anesthetic injections or general anesthesia. Learning curves using the LC-CUSUM method were constructed, aiming for acceptable and unacceptable failure rates of 10% and 20%, and 10% probability of type I and II errors. Simulations were used to determine the proficiency limit h0. Residents whose curves reached h0 were considered proficient. The Sequential Probability Ratio Test Cumulative Sum Method (SPRT-CUSUM) was used for follow-up. ResultsThirty-nine residents performed 2076 blocks (median = 52 blocks per resident; Interquartile Range (IQR) [range] = 27–78 [4–132]). Thirty residents (77%) achieved proficiency after a median of 13 blocks (13–24 [13–24]). ConclusionsThe LC-CUSUM is a robust method for detecting resident proficiency at peribulbar anesthesia, defined as success rates exceeding 90%. Accordingly, 13 to 24 supervised double-injection peribulbar blocks are needed to attain competence at peribulbar anesthesia.

Ophthalmic Anesthesia and Related Complications in Vitreoretinal Surgery

The most critical anesthetic evaluation before vitreoretinal surgery is whether the patient and surgeon need local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia techniques include topical, retrobulbar, peribulbar, and subtenon blocks. Performing analgesia and akinesia with appropriate anesthesia provides appropriate surgical conditions for the patient and physician, reducing surgical risks. In addition, since complications related to ophthalmic anesthesia may cause permanent visual impairment, managing perioperative complications is of great importance and requires experience.