The effect on intraocular pressure of tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask™ insertion during sevoflurane anaesthesia in children without the use of muscle relaxants

Background: We studied the effects of sevoflurane on intraocular pressure after induction in children undergoing either tracheal tube (TT) or laryngeal mask airway (LMA(TM)) insertion without a muscle relaxant Methods: The study included 38 children. Anaesthesia was induced (8%) and maintained (3-4%) with sevoflurane in 100% O-2. NO muscle relaxant was used. A TT was inserted in group I (n = 20), and an LMA in group II (n = 18). IOPs were measured after induction, insertion of TT or LMA and at 1, 2 and 3 min thereafter. The heart rate, mean arterial pressures were also recorded. Results: Intraocular pressures increased significantly in group I after TT (P < 0.01) and remained high until after 3 min. The pressures were similar in the LMA group at all measurements. Conclusions: Sevoflurane does not prevent the increase in IOP after intubation without muscle relaxants. LMA does not increase IOP in children after sevoflurane induction.