Comparison on the efficacy of two local anaesthesia methods in vitrectomy

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of sub-tenon’s anesthesia of ropivacaine and lidocaine combined with bupivacaine retrobulbar anesthesia in vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods A prospective, continuous, and randomized clinical study. Total of 278 eyes of 273 patients who underwent vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment from Oct. 2017 to Jun. 2019 were included in the study. All patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A, 138 eyes of 136 cases, received ropivacaine under sub-tenon’s anesthesia, 140 eyes of 137 patients in group B received lidocaine combined with bupivacaine retrobulbar anesthesia. The pain score and anesthesia related complications were compared between the two groups. Results The total pain score of group A was lower than that of group B, the difference of scores of anesthesia, scleral incision, and vitrectomy with depressed sclera was statistically significant (t=-14.894, -3.379, -5.242, P=0.000, 0.001, 0.000). In group B, 1 case had perforating injury and 6 cases had retrobulbar hemorrhage. Conclusion Sub-tenon’s anesthesia with ropivacaine is safe and effective in vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Key words: Anesthesia, sub-tenon’s; Ropivacaine; Vitrectomy; Retinal detachment, rhegmatogenous