Combined propofol sedation with sub-Tenon's lidocaine/mercaine infusion for strabismus surgery in adults.

AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of propofol sedation combined with sub-Tenon's anaesthesia for strabismus surgery in adults.

METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients aged 31-85 years underwent strabismus surgery under general (n=16) or local (n=16) anaesthesia. In the local anaesthesia (study) group, sedation was induced with a loading dose of midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol, followed by continuous infusion of propofol, 3-6 mg/k/h to deep sedation. A nasal tube was inserted to prevent airway obstruction. Sub-Tenon's anaesthesia included infusion of a 3-4 ml mixture (50 : 50) of lidocaine 2%/mercaine 0.5%. General anaesthesia consisted of premedication with midazolam, followed by fentanyl, esmeron-bromate, propofol, and tracheal intubation. Duration of surgery and anaesthesia, intraoperative oculocardiac reflex and arrhythmias, time to discharge, postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and patient and surgeon satisfaction were evaluated.

RESULTS: The local anaesthesia group had a significantly shorter operative and anaesthesia time, fewer episodes of oculocardiac reflex or arrythmia/bradycardia requiring treatment, fewer early or late episodes of nausea and vomiting, and less pain. The patients and surgeon in this group reported higher satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: Propofol sedation with local sub-Tenon's injection of lidocaine/mercaine is recommended for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia during unilateral or bilateral strabismus surgery in adults. The method is quick and effective, without systemic or ocular side effects.