The effect of sphenopalatine ganglion block on the course of the early postoperative period in patients after keratectomy
NEW IN MEDICINE
Abstract
Introduction. Keratorefractive procedures are an effective method for correcting ametropia; however, the early postoperative period is often accompanied by tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and pain, collectively referred to as corneal syndrome. These manifestations are caused by the high sensitivity of the cornea and the activation of nociceptive and autonomic reflexes following injury to its superficial layers. Therefore, there is a need to identify methods capable of reducing the severity of corneal syndrome in the early postoperative period. Aim — assessment of the efficacy of intranasal sphenopalatine ganglion block for the relief of corneal syndrome in the early postoperative period after keratectomy. Material and methods. A prospective controlled study included 140 patients aged 19 to 33 years who underwent keratectomy. Group 1 (n=70) consisted of patients who received a sphenopalatine ganglion block before surgery; Group 2 (n=70) included patients who did not receive the block before surgery. Changes in postoperative tearing, analgesic effect, and the need for additional analgesia were assessed. Results. In Group 1, tearing increased by 5.0±1.3 mm compared with baseline, whereas in Group 2 it increased by 11.1±2.3 mm (p=0.000), which was attributed to blockade of the parasympathetic innervation of the lacrimal gland after intranasal sphenopalatine ganglion block. The severity of corneal syndrome in the early postoperative period was 1.59±1.01 points in Group 1, which was significantly lower than in Group 2, where it was 2.36±0.3 points (p=0.0316). Conclusions. Intranasal sphenopalatine ganglion block in patients after keratorefractive surgery is associated with a reduction in reflex tearing, decreased pain intensity, and less pronounced corneal syndrome, as well as a reduced need for additional analgesic eye drops in the early postoperative period.
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