ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Objective: Significant vasovagal responses bothers strabismus surgeon during the postoperative adjustment process. The aim of this study was to evaluate if vasovagal responses during manipulation of adjustable sutures are affected with reducing anticipation anxiety by psychoeducation techniques. Materials and methods: Sixty-two patients aged between 14-64 were studied prospectively. All patients were operated under general anesthesia and were adjusted 24 hours later. Psychoeducation techniques to reduce anticipation anxiety were performed before adjustment process in 32 patients (Group A). Adjustments were performed by the routine way in 30 patients (Group B). A positive vasovagal response was defined as existence of one or more subjective findings (dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea) and two or more objective findings (10% or greater change in heart rate, pallor, diaphoresis, vomiting, disorientation or loss of consciousness). Positive vasovagal responses during manipulation of adjustable sutures were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: Positive vasovagal responses were found in 7 patients (21.8%) in Group A, and 11 patients (36.6%) in Group B. Conclusion: Anxiety of the patient is one of the major reasons of vasovagal responses. We noticed that vasovagal responses during postoperative suture adjustment process, are affected by the psychological status of the patient. Before postoperative adjustment, to try to reduce patient’s anticipation anxiety by psychoeducational techniques makes the process more comfortable for both the patient and the surgeon.
