Abstract

BACKGROUND: Peribulbar blocks have been in clinical use for over half a century, but more recently the fear of complications has detracted many anaesthesiologists from their use, which has been decreasing in many countries. In this article we aim to characterize the safety profile of blocks performed at our Institution, by dedicated staff anaesthesiologists with vast experience. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the anaesthetic register of patients undergoing peribulbar blocks for different ophthalmic procedures over a 9 months period, describing its safety, effectiveness and using logistic regression to identify possible factors influencing block quality. RESULTS: In a total of 309 blocks there were 9 minor complications, none of which produced lasting consequences. Variables affecting sensory block depth were type of sedation during the block procedure, volume of local anaesthetic administered and type of surgery. CONCLUSION: Peribulbar blocks appear to have a favourable safety profile, but the rarity of serious complications makes it difficult to correctly assess their incidence. Even though block depth was appropriate in most situations, there is still room for improvement, namely by optimizing both the volume of local anaesthetic administered and sedation for the block procedure.