The Efficacy of 0.75% Bupivacaine with ph Adjustment and Hyaluronidase for Peribulbar Blockade: The Incidence of Prolonged Ptosis

Abstract

A prospective, double masked, randomised study was performed to compare the speed of onset of peribulbar anaesthesia using pH adjusted 0.75% bupivacaine, with and without the addition of hyaluronidase. No significant difference in speed of onset occurred due to the addition of hyaluronidase. There were 7 cases of post operative ptosis in the study group, including 1 case of orbital apex syndrome and 2 cases of transient 3rd nerve palsy. This incidence of post operative ptosis using pH adjusted 0.75% bupivacaine was statistically significantly greater than in a matched control group who received a 50:50 mixture of 1% lignocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine with hyaluronidase (p < 0.05). The possible causes of this increased incidence of post operative ptosis are discussed.