Short term general anesthesia for retro-bulbar block in ophthalmic surgery generates no significant hypercapnia.

To assess the impact of short time hypnosis for retro-bulbar anesthesia on ventilation in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery of the anterior eye chamber. In all patients, a combined continuous transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (PtcCO) and partial oxygen saturation (SpO) measurement was applied in addition to routine monitoring. To enable unconscious application of retro-bulbar anesthesia, intravenous thiopental was given in one to multiple bolus doses. Transient breathing support included chin lift, Esmarch maneuver and manual hand-bag ventilation via face mask. Main endpoints were apnea time, recovery time according to the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, as well as SpO and PtcCO readings at predefined time points. Fifty-two patients with a mean age of 68 ± 13 years were included. Average thiopental dose was 2.7 ± 0.6 mg/kg. In seven (13.5%) patients repeated doses of thiopental were necessary to a total of 3.3 ± 1.1 mg/kg. Except one patient, no severe, significant or clinical relevant hypercapnia or desaturation periods were observed, and the occurring elevation of PtcCO values did not correlate with the application of repeated doses of thiopental or the need for the Esmarch maneuver. Higher PtcCO values were associated with the presence of hypertension and smoking. Apnea (p < 0.001) and recovery (p = 0.003) time were significantly prolonged in the patients needing the Esmarch maneuver. Short term anesthesia with thiopental in ophthalmic surgery is associated with a mild but not clinically relevant hypercapnia.