A randomised controlled study on efficacy of midazolam and cartoon for decreasing preoperative anxiety in preschool children undergoing strabismus surgery.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effect and influence of midazolam and cartoon on postoperative behaviour in reducing preoperative anxiety in preschool children.

METHODS

Three hundred children undergoing monocular strabismus correction were divided into three groups: midazolam (M), cartoon (C), and CM. Preoperative anxiety scores, cooperation scores during anaesthesia induction, awakening time, emergence agitation, and postoperative adverse behaviours were recorded.

RESULT: The preoperative anxiety scores of group CM in the preoperative area and before anaesthesia induction were lower than those of group C and M. Compared with Group C, the cooperation scores of Group M and Group CM decreased significantly. And group M's awakening time was prolonged. The incidence of agitation during awakening and adverse behaviour 1 week after surgery and the cooperation scores in group CM was lower than in groups M and C. The anxiety levels were positively correlated with the agitation and behavioural changes.

CONCLUSION

Watching cartoon videos combined with a low-dose midazolam shows efficacy in reducing preoperative anxiety in children.