Sodium Bicarbonate as a replacement for Hyaluronidase in oclualr anesthesia during cataract surgery

Dr Sachin Daigavane; Dr. Siddarth Gautam

Volume : V, Issue : V, May - 2016

Sodium Bicarbonate as a replacement for Hyaluronidase in oclualr anesthesia during cataract surgery

Dr Sachin Daigavane, Dr. Siddarth Gautam

Abstract :

For a cataract extraction, the ideal anesthetic needs to have a rapid onset and long action. The local anesthetic solutions supplied as acidic salts avoid precipitation during storage. Alkalinisation of the LA agent with sodium bicarbonate increases drug penetration through the soft tissues and nerve sheath, thus decrease the duration of onset of action. Thereby the following study was conducted by replacing hyaluronidase with sodium bicarbonate where safety profile, onset of anesthesia and cost was evaluated. The study concluded that Sodium bicarbonate with lidocaine is recommended as an adjunct to hyaluronidase as a LA agent taking into account the anesthetic effect, with virtual freedom from complications and cost effectiveness.