Purpose Strabismus surgery is one of the most common pediatric ophthalmic procedures. The purpose of this continuing professional development module is to update physicians on the anesthetic considerations of pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery. Principal findings The preoperative assessment is important, as patients undergoing strabismus surgery may have an associated neuromuscular disorder, congenital syndrome, or cardiac disease. Malignant hyperthermia is no longer considered as being an issue associated with strabismus. The laryngeal mask airway is used frequently and has been shown as being associated with a low incidence of complications in strabismus surgery. The anesthesia technique can be adapted to decrease the incidence of the oculocardiac reflex and the oculorespiratory reflex, and the use of anticholinergic prophylaxis remains debatable. Since patients are at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), combination anti-emetic therapy is recommended using dexamethasone and ondansetron. Metoclopramide was not found to provide additional benefit when combined with other anti-emetics. Droperidol is effective, but there remains a black box warning for dysrhythmias. Effective analgesics in this patient population include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, peribulbar blocks, and subtenon blocks. Topical tetracaine drops have demonstrated mixed results, and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops were found not to be effective. The use of opioids should be minimized due to the increased incidence of PONV. Conclusions To provide optimal care for the pediatric patient undergoing strabismus surgery, it is important to understand the unique anesthetic considerations for strabismus surgery and to appreciate how each decision regarding the anesthetic technique can alter these considerations. Objectives of this continuing professional development (CPD) moduleUpon completion of this CPD module, the reader will be able to:1 Perform a thorough preoperative assessment with an emphasis on the co-existing diseases and syndromes with ocular manifestations; 2. Evaluate the possibility of an increased incidence of masseter muscle spasm or malignant hyperthermia in this patient group; 3. Detail an anesthetic plan for strabismus surgery, including airway management and choice of anesthetic agents; 4. Understand the mechanism of the oculocardiac and the oculorespiratory reflex and recognize the associated risk factors and treatment; 5. Determine the analgesia options for strabismus surgery; and 6. Plan evidence-based anti-emetic prophylaxis for strabismus surgery. Summary reviewStrabismus surgery is the most common pediatric ophthalmic procedure. 1,2 The purpose of this continuing professional development module is to review the unique anesthetic issues facing a patient presenting for strabismus surgery. It is important to be aware of specific issues, such as the association with specific syndromes and diseases, the occurrence of the oculocardiac reflex, and the increas...

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