To evaluate the clinical usefulness of intravenous propofol and fentanyl anesthesia during adjustable strabismus surgery, to investigate the effectiveness and safety of adjustable strabismus surgery, and assess the degree of patient satisfaction.

Patients over 15 years of age who underwent strabismus surgery using propofol and fentanyl sedation from January 2003 to December 2004 were included in this study. At the beginning of the operation, the patients received an intravenous bolus of fentanyl 1 to 1.5 mg/kg. Propofol was injected into a vein continuously during the operation to keep the blood concentration within 1.2-1.5 ug/mL. Intraoperative adjustment was then made. We evaluated, via questionnaire, patient satisfaction with the operation and the adjustment.

In all 44 patients, the adjustment was completed successfully. The rate of intraoperative side effects was low (11.4%). The satisfaction degree regarding the anesthesia was very high (95.5%), and the success rate at the three-month postoperative visit was 88.6%.

Intravenous anesthesia using propofol combined with fentanyl provides a sufficient level of sedation and rapid awakening that enables a surgeon to perform adjustable strabismus surgery conveniently. It also allows the patient to feel comfortable and safe throughout the surgery.