Analgesia for Retrobulbar Block

Background: The injection of retrobulbar block is associated with significant pain and discomfort. Therefore a short-acting IV analgesic before retrobulbar injection has been advocated. Objective: To compare remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl in providing analgesia for retrobulbar block injection. Methods: 69 patients were enrolled randomly into three groups of 23 each to receive either Remifentanil 1 g/kg, Alfentanil 20 g/kg or Fentanyl 2 g/kg as an IV bolus dose prior to retrobulbar injection. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded and Numerical Pain Score (NPS) were assessed by a blinded observer. Results: Remifentanil prevented increase in MAP and HR while alfentanil and fentanyl were ineffective in this purpose (p < 0.05). NPS was significantly lower in remifentanil group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Remifentanil 1 g/kg prior to retrobulbar injection From Shiraz Univ. of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. * Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology. ** Assistant Professor, Department off Ophthalmology. *** MD. Correspondence: B. Maghsoudi, Department of Anesthesiology, Faghihi Hospital, Zand St., Shiraz, Iran. P.O. Box: 71345-1343, Tel: +98 9171119264, Fax: +98 711 2307072, E-mail: [email protected]. BEHZAD MAGHSOUDI ET. AL 596 provide excellent hemodynamic stability and ensure analgesia.