Open AccessRespiratory arrest after retrobulbar anaesthesia
Author(s) -
AO Ashaye,
JN Ubah,
PT Sofumbi
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
west african journal of medicine
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-160X
DOI - 10.4314/wajm.v21i4.28018
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , respiratory arrest , complication , airway , general anaesthesia , cataract extraction , ventilation (architecture) , respiratory system , surgery , mechanical engineering , engineering
This is a report of a patient who developed respiratory arrest some minutes after retrobulbar block was given for ocular anesthesia before cataract extraction. She was managed by artificial ventilation and haemodynamic support without any cardiac or neurological sequelae. This report highlights this rare but fatal complication of suspected brain stem anaesthesia after retrobulbar anaesthesia. Retrobulbar and peribulbar blocks should be performed in safe situations where individuals trained in airway maintenance and ventilatory support should be immediately available.