Retrobulbar block
Retrobulbar block
Retrobulbar block (pronunciation: reh-troh-buhl-bar blok) is a type of anesthesia used primarily in ophthalmology for intraocular procedures.
Etymology
The term "retrobulbar" is derived from the Latin words "retro" meaning behind and "bulbus" referring to a bulb, in this case, the eyeball. "Block" refers to the blocking or numbing of nerve signals.
Definition
A retrobulbar block is a regional anesthetic technique where an anesthetic solution is injected into the retrobulbar space, the area located behind the globe of the eye. This results in anesthesia of the eye and surrounding structures, as well as temporary paralysis of the extraocular muscles.
Procedure
The procedure involves the use of a long, thin needle to inject the anesthetic into the retrobulbar space. The patient is usually sedated before the procedure to minimize discomfort and anxiety. The most commonly used anesthetics for a retrobulbar block are lidocaine and bupivacaine.
Related Terms
- Peribulbar block: A similar procedure to the retrobulbar block, but the anesthetic is injected around the eyeball rather than behind it.
- Ophthalmic anesthesia: The general term for anesthesia used in eye surgeries.
- Local anesthesia: A type of anesthesia that numbs a small, specific area of the body.
Risks and Complications
As with any medical procedure, a retrobulbar block carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, damage to the eye or optic nerve, and adverse reactions to the anesthetic. In rare cases, a retrobulbar block can cause a severe condition known as Retrobulbar hemorrhage.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Retrobulbar block
- Wikipedia's article - Retrobulbar block
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski