Aims: To report the use of ketamine sedation as an alternative anaesthetic method for babies undergoing treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods: All babies who underwent treatment for ROP over a 2-year period were included in this study. The babies preoperative weight, medical condition, and ventilation status was recorded. Data were collected on their ventilation status pre-, intra-, and postprocedure. Any change in their cardiac or respiratory status during or in the subsequent 3 days following the treatment was noted.
Results: Eleven babies, 22 eyes, required treatment over this period. The procedure was well tolerated with only three babies having intraoperative complications, which all resolved spontaneously. Two babies had postoperative complications requiring additional ventilation. In no case was the procedure abandoned owing to anaesthetic complications.
Conclusions: The use of ketamine sedation allows the laser to be performed in a ward setting and avoids the potential risk of general anaesthesia and inter- and intra-hospital transfer. It has been found to produce few intra- or postoperative complications for the infant, while providing satisfactory conditions for the treatment of ROP.