Anaesthesia for dacryocystorhinostomy

SummaryExcessive tearing due to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct is a common ophthalmic problem. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the procedure designed to treat primary or secondary adult anatomical obstruction. External DCR is the traditional surgical approach, however endoscopic DCR can be done. In the past, general anaesthesia (GA) has been considered as the gold standard for DCR surgery; endotracheal intubation and throat pack offer an important function as protective mechanisms of the patient’s airway against blood aspiration. Head up position, hypotensive anaesthesia, incision infiltration with lidocaine/epinephrine together with insertion of nasal pack soaked in decongestant solution are a routine measures to guard against intraoperative bleeding that may hinder surgical site visualization. Increase awareness of regional anaesthesia efficacy contemplated the surgeons towards the use of such techniques. The basic concept of local anaesthesia for DCR involves blockade of infratrochlear, infraorbital and anterior ethmoidal nerves either by separate injections or by local infiltration along with intranasal preparation. It has been found that DCR under regional anaesthesia minimizes intraoperative bleeding, inpatient stay and reduce health care expenditure. Further, many patients prefer regional anaesthesia due to less postoperative pain. These benefits are desirable particularly in elderly population in whom GA constitute a threat for their life.