Abstract
To compare the efficacy of the olive tipped (OT) cannula to the conventional Steven's cannula for sub-Tenon block (STB) before cataract surgery.
This prospective, randomized, double-masked compared STB delivered in cataract surgery patients with an OT cannula or a conventional Steven's cannula (ST). Outcome variables included the akinesia score and lid movement scores at 5 and 10 min. The patient perception of pain during delivery of the STB and surgery were also compared between groups. Surgeon satisfaction with anesthesia was compared between groups.
<0.05 was statistically significant.
There were sixty patients in each group. The age between groups was not statistically different (
= 0.4). The body mass index was higher in the ST group compared to the OT group (
< 0.001). The akinesia score at 5 and 10 min did not differ between groups (
= 0.07 and
= 0.6, respectively). The patient perception of pain during STB and surgery were similar between groups (
= 0.1 and
= 0.06, respectively). There were six patients with mild chemosis and redness in the OT group and 15 patients in the ST group.
An OT cannula is equally effective as the conventional Steven's cannula for delivering STB anesthesia before cataract surgery.