Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: One hundred nineteen patients undergoing orbital hydroxyapatite implant surgery received placement of an orbital epidural catheter for the infusion of local anesthetics at the conclusion of their surgery. Patients were asked to gauge their level of comfort into the following 3 categories: total, some, or no pain relief in the first week after surgery. A separate numerical grading scale was used to further quantitate pain. Blood samples were collected in 4 patients to assess the systemic levels of bupivacaine. RESULTS: Most patients (88.2%) responded with total or some pain relief, with only 11.8% suffering severe pain. The mean numerical pain score was 2.8, within a range of 0 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). The average plasma bupivacaine level in the 4 patients in whom this was measured was 0.38 microg/mL, which is well below the toxic level of 4.0 microg/mL. Furthermore, there were only 5 minor complications caused by the catheters, ie, 1 retrobulbar hemorrhage and 4 catheters that did not work. No permanent problems arose from any of the complications. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | J P Fezza, K A Klippenstein, R E Wesley |
Journal | Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
(Arch Ophthalmol)
Vol. 117
Issue 6
Pg. 784-8
(Jun 1999)
ISSN: 0003-9950 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10369590
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Anesthetics, Local
- Durapatite
- Bupivacaine
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anesthesia, Epidural
(methods)
- Anesthesia, Local
(methods)
- Anesthetics, Local
(pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
- Bupivacaine
(pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
- Catheterization
(methods)
- Durapatite
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
(adverse effects)
- Orbit
(drug effects, surgery)
- Orbital Implants
- Pain Measurement
- Pain, Postoperative
(etiology, prevention & control)
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