A prospective, randomized, controlled comparison of retrobulbar and general anesthesia for strabismus surgery

A prospective, randomized controlled study (n = 95) was conducted to compare the morbidity and length of hospital stay associated with retrobulbar neuromuscular blockade (LA) with that associated with general anesthesia (GA) for monocular strabismus surgery in adult patients. A scoring system was developed to assess postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain, level of consciousness, oral intake, and activity while in the hospital and for the first 3 postoperative days. There was no significant difference in the postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with the two anesthetic techniques. Although patients receiving LA experienced less immediate postoperative discomfort (P < .01) and had greater levels of activity (P < .0001) while in the hospital, the discomfort and activity levels of the two groups were similar at home. The LA group was discharged from the hospital sooner (mean, 135 minutes vs 250 minutes; P < .001), allowing more efficient use of hospital resources. Both techniques provided excellent anesthesia for monocular strabismus surgery.