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Ketamine anaesthesia for paediatric ophthalmology surgery
1Tilganga Eye Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal Vermont, USA Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 26, 2003
Summary
Ketamine anesthesia is safe and effective for pediatric eye surgeries in developing regions. This study found no major complications, making it a viable option where advanced anesthesia is unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Global Health
Background:
- Access to surgical care for children with vision-impairing conditions is limited in areas lacking anesthesia.
- Pediatric ophthalmic surgery requires safe and accessible anesthetic options, especially in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ketamine anesthesia for pediatric ophthalmic surgery in a developing region.
- To determine if ketamine can be used reliably in settings with limited anesthetic resources.
Main Methods:
- A consecutive series of 679 children undergoing intraocular and extraocular ophthalmic procedures were administered intravenous ketamine.
- Anesthesia was managed by a pediatrician trained in pediatric resuscitation at Tilganga Eye Hospital, Nepal.
- The study spanned a 5-year period in a developing country context.
Main Results:
- All ophthalmic procedures were completed without anesthetic complications.
- No child required unexpected resuscitation or laryngeal intubation.
- Postoperative dysphoria was occasionally observed but resolved by the first postoperative day.
Conclusions:
- Ketamine is an effective and safe anesthetic agent for pediatric intraocular and extraocular eye surgeries.
- Its simplicity and safety profile make ketamine suitable for ophthalmic procedures in developing regions with limited resources.
- Trained personnel can safely administer ketamine for short-duration ophthalmic surgeries.