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Published on: November 6, 2019
A double-masked randomized trial of postoperative local anesthetic for pain control in pediatric strabismus surgery
Laura B Enyedi1, David K Wallace1, Guy de L Dear2
1Departments of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Insights
Sub-Tenon
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Pediatric strabismus surgery often involves significant postoperative pain.
- Effective pain management is crucial for recovery and patient well-being in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of local anesthetics in reducing postoperative pain following pediatric strabismus surgery.
- To compare the effects of topical lidocaine, sub-Tenon's bupivacaine, and placebo on pain levels.
Main Methods:
- A double-masked, randomized clinical trial involving 50 children aged 13-91 months undergoing strabismus surgery.
- Three treatment groups: topical lidocaine with sub-Tenon's placebo, topical placebo with sub-Tenon's bupivacaine, and dual placebo.
- Pain was assessed using a validated scale by a masked observer.
Main Results:
- Sub-Tenon's bupivacaine demonstrated significantly lower pain scores in the first 30 minutes compared to placebo (P=0.016).
- The bupivacaine group experienced significantly less pain after 30 minutes, lower total pain, and reduced peak pain compared to the lidocaine group.
Conclusions:
- Sub-Tenon's bupivacaine appears to be an effective method for reducing postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery.
- This anesthetic approach may improve the overall recovery experience for pediatric patients.
Purpose:
To determine to what extent local anesthetic reduces postoperative pain after pediatric strabismus surgery.
Methods:
In this double-masked, randomized clinical trial of 50 children 13-91 months of age undergoing strabismus surgery, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatments given at the conclusion of surgery: topical lidocaine gel and sub-Tenon's (balanced salt solution) placebo (n = 16), topical placebo (hypromellose) and sub-Tenon's bupivacaine 0.75% (n = 17), or topical and sub-Tenon's placebo (n = 17). Pain was otherwise managed systemically in the usual fashion by the masked anesthesia team and assessed at regular postoperative intervals by a masked observer using an objective, validated pain scale.
Results:
Average pain in the first 30 minutes was 6.57, 6.36, and 6.58 in the lidocaine, bupivacaine, and placebo groups, respectively, and was significantly lower (P = 0.016) for bupivacaine vs placebo. The bupivacaine group had significantly lower scores for pain after 30 minutes, total pain, and peak pain versus the lidocaine group.
Conclusions:
Sub-Tenon's bupivacaine may reduce postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery.
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