Strabismus surgery using the intraoperative adjustable suture method under anesthesia with propofol.

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using the intraoperative adjustable suture method with anesthesia induced by intravenously administered propofol for strabismus surgery. METHODS Seven adult patients (mean age, 29.7 +/- 18.5 years) with different types of strabismus were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent full ophthalmological and general medical examinations before surgery. Surgery was performed after induction of anesthesia using intravenously administered propofol that was titrated to control consciousness. RESULTS Arousal of consciousness was observed at approximately 2 minutes after discontinuation of the propofol infusion in each case, and the consciousness level was sufficient to allow accurate cover-uncover testing and intraoperative adjustment of sutures. Minor complications of nausea in three patients and vomiting in one patient were noted after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Strabismus surgery using the adjustable suture method with propofol intravenous anesthesia appears to be safe and useful for the treatment of adult strabismus.