General anesthesia for cataract surgery: Experience at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar.

ABSTRACT

Although cataract surgery is increasingly being performed under local anesthesia in many centers, general anesthesia is preferred for cataract surgery at the King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), Al-Khobar. Ninety two patients who had cataract extraction under general anesthesia at KFHU between October 1988 and April 1990 are presented. Of these, 57 patients (61.9%), had pre-existing medical ailments (mainly cardiovascular and metabolic). Perianesthetic problems (dysrhythmia, hypotension), were encountered in ten patients (10.8%). All responded to treatment. Surgical conditions were ideal. There was no mortality. It would appear that modern general anesthesia, with appropriate monitoring, can effectively be applied to planned cataract surgery, with good results, provided the patients are in optimal physical health.