A modified retrobulbar block for eye surgery

Abstract

A modified retrobulbar block (MRB) using a single superomedial injection was compared with the classical retrobulbar block (RB) and peribulbar block (PB) in a randomized, prospective, surgeon-blinded study involving 150 patients undergoing cataract surgery. No serious complication occurred in any of the patients. The MRB produced higher rates of total akinesia in the orbicularis and all the extraocular muscles, which were statistically significant for the orbicularis, superior, inferior and lateral rectus and oblique muscles when compared with RB, and for the superior rectus and oblique muscles when compared with PB. MRB required less supplemental blocks, provided good operating conditions for the surgeon, and achieved high patient acceptance. It is concluded that MRB is a useful alternative method of ocular block for cataract surgery.