Investigation of visual and auditory perception in patients undergoing vitrectomy

Objective To investigate the perception of vision and audition in patients with retrobulbar anesthesia and intravenous potentiated local anesthesia. Methods A prospective study of 209 cases (113 cases in group A, retrobulbar nerve block anesthesia; 96 cases in group B, peribulbar anesthesia combined with intravenous potentiated anesthesia) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy in Department of Ophthalmology of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were investigated on the first day after operation. The visual and auditory sensation and the effect of anesthesia on them were studied. Results In group A, 78.8% of patients had visual memory, which was significantly higher than that of B group (P <0.05). In group A, 90.3% of patients had intraoperative auditory memory, which was higher than that of B group (P <0.05). In the retrobulbar anesthesia group, the memories of visual and auditory perception were stronger than that in the potentiated anesthesia group, but the combination of local anesthesia and intravenous potentiated anesthesia was more helpful to reduce anxiety. Conclusions The choice of anesthesia method has a significant influence on the visual and auditory perception of patients undergoing vitrectomy. Local anesthesia combined with intravenous potentiated anesthesia is a better option for patients with anxiety and tension. Key words: Vitrectomy; Anesthesia; Visual and auditory perception; Questionnaire survey