Efficacy and safety of sedation with propofol in peribulbar anaesthesia

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sub-anaesthetic dose of propofol for reducing patient recall of peribulbar block in eye surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients scheduled for elective cataract extraction or trabeculectomy using peribulbar anaesthesia with an intravenous bolus of propofol to provide sedation during the administration of the block. The dose of propofol was based on age and body weight. Patients' vital signs were monitored with continuous pulse oximetry and blood pressure measurements. Efficacy of sedation was assessed by recording patient's recall of the anaesthetic block after 8-10 min. Results Data from 2043 patients were analysed. The dose of propofol used ranged from 15-75 mg. Propofol was effective in abolishing recall in 87.5% of the patients studied. Only four patients required airway support but no major systemic side effects were encountered. Conclusions A single sub-anaesthetic dose of propofol prior to administering peribulbar block is effective in reducing recall of the injection and safe without major systemic side effects.