Anaesthesia for eye surgery in paediatrics

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2019Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care MedicineAuthor(s): Tom Y. Pettigrew, Sarah J. SmithAbstractChildren are rarely able to tolerate being awake for any type of surgery under local anaesthesia, therefore the majority of paediatric eye surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Most patients presenting on a paediatric ophthalmology operating list will be otherwise healthy children who are suitable for day surgery. However, some children may have eye abnormalities as part of a congenital disorder. The perioperative plan should be formulated after assessment of the child's behaviour, co-existing medical issues and the surgical conditions required for the specific procedure. Factors influencing Intraocular pressure may require to be controlled, and anaesthetists should be vigilant for the oculocardiac reflex. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is increased in ocular surgery, particularly with strabismus correction. Pain and opioid analgesics can both increase the risk of PONV. In most cases, simple analgesia and the intraoperative use of topical local anaesthesia will provide effective postoperative pain relief.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research