Day case surgery for strabismus in children.

A consecutive series of 140 children was observed after strabismus surgery. All the postoperative problems are attributable to general anaesthesia, vomiting and drowsiness being the principal ones. Respiratory difficulties were unusual. There is no reason to keep a healthy child in hospital for longer than one night, and day case strabismus surgery appears to be safe if (1) an experienced doctor gives the anaesthetic, (2) there is adequate supervision for 3 to 4 hours after surgery, (3) the appropriate district nurse is forewarned that a child is returning home after general anaesthesia, and (4) facilities are available to retain a child in hospital if a problem arises before discharge. Signs of emotional trauma may be less in children treated as day cases than in those hospitalized for one or more nights.