Effectiveness of sub-Tenon's block in pediatric strabismus surgery

Abstract

Background and objectives: Strabismus surgery is a frequently performed pediatric ocular procedure. A frequently occurring major problem in patients receiving this treatment involves the oculocardiac reflex. This reflex is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a sub-Tenon's block on the oculocardiac reflex, pain, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Methods: Forty patients aged 5–16 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists status I–II undergoing elective strabismus surgery were included in this study. Patients included were randomly assigned into two groups by using a sealed envelope method. In group 1 (n = 20), patients did not receive sub-Tenon's anesthesia. In group 2 (n = 20), following intubation, sub-Tenon's anesthesia was performed with the eye undergoing surgery. Atropine use, pain scores, oculocardiac reflex, and postoperative nausea and vomiting incidences were compared between groups. Results: There were no significant differences between groups with regard to oculocardiac reflex and atropine use (p > 0.05). Pain scores 30 min post-surgery were significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (p 0,05). Os escores de dor em 30 minutos de pós-operatório foram significativamente menores no Grupo 2 do que no Grupo 1 (p < 0,05). A necessidade de analgésico adicional durante o período pós-operatório foi significativamente menor no Grupo 2 do que no Grupo 1 (p < 0,05). Conclusões: O bloqueio subtenoniano, em combinação com anestesia geral, não é eficaz e confiável para diminuir o reflexo oculocardíaco, bem como náusea e vômito pós-operatórios (NVPO). Porém, esse método é seguro para diminuir a dor no período pós-operatório e reduzir a analgesia adicional necessária em cirurgia de estrabismo pediátrico. Keywords: Sub-Tenon's block, Pediatric strabismus surgery, Anesthesia, Palavras-chave: Bloqueio subtenoniano, Cirurgia de estrabismo pediátrico, Anestesia