The Effect of Sub-Tenon's Bupivacaine on Oculocardiac Reflex during Strabismus Surgery and Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE Oculocardiac reflex (OCR), defined as bradycardia induced by manipulation of extraocular muscles, is a serious complication during strabismus surgery for which prevention and proper management is required. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of sub-Tenon injection of bupivacaine for prevention of OCR and postoperative pain. METHODS A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Fifty patients who were candidates for strabismus surgery were randomized into case (sub-Tenon's bupivacaine injection) or control (normal saline injection) groups. Standard strabismus surgery was performed for all cases. Occurrence and severity of OCR (primary outcome) and postoperative pain (using the Visual Analog Scale) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Both incidence (32% vs. 100%; P = 0.002) and severity of OCR (mean heart rate decrease, 10.1 vs. 38.7 beats/minute; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the study group compared to those in the control group. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (mean score, 2.8 vs. 5.9 at 60 minutes after surgery; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Sub-Tenon injection of bupivacaine as a local anesthetic can significantly prevent OCR and decrease the severity of bradycardia. This technique can also diminish postoperative pain in patients who underwent strabismus surgery.