Operating conditions for ocular surgery under general anaesthesia: An eccentric problem

Abstract

Purpose: To describe and examine the observation that eccentric eye positions may develop under certain general anaesthetic conditions and negatively impact upon operating conditions during ocular surgery. Methods: A case series description with historical review followed by a 2-week prospective observational survey examining the general anaesthetic techniques utilized during ocular surgery and the associated development of an eccentric eye position. Results: A total of 52 cases were studied, of which four developed eccentric eye positions. 50% of patients received effective muscle relaxation. Without muscle relaxants, the incidence of eccentric eye positioning was 18%. Conclusions: Eccentric ocular positions are likely to occur in light planes of general anaesthesia. In the case of ocular surgery, this phenomenon may create surgical difficulty and increase the risk of complication and patient morbidity. Arguments for the planned use of balanced general anaesthesia with non-depolarizing muscle relaxants are presented. © 2006 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.