Cataract extractions without tracheal intubation

Abstract

Following a retrospective study of opthalmic complications after cataract extractions a planned study of 135 cases was conducted to compare the complication rates when general anaesthesia was administered with and without trachèal intubation. General anaesthesia without intubation was conducted through an oropharyn-geal airway with an airway adaptor for the circuit tubes. A chin support was provided by use of an 18-inch-long strip of adhesive plaster, split for 6 inches to form a Y; the stem of the Y-plaster was anchored to the head of the table and the limbs under the chin. Two anaesthetic circuits were studied including arterial blood gas analyses. The results showed in a statistically significant degree that anaesthesia without intubation was associated with a lower incidence of ophthalmic complications. The patency of the respiratory passages without trachéal intubation provides safe respiration with the Mapleson "A" semi-closed circuit using a simple Y-shaped strip of adhesive tape to hold up the lower jaw and maintain head extension. © 1974 Canadian Anesthesiologists.