Surgery For Retinopathy Of Prematurity Research Articles

Surgical exposure for vitrectomy in retinopathy of prematurity.

Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of lateral canthotomy, sub-tenon anesthesia injection, and the use of modified speculum for gaining adequate surgical exposure during surgery for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Fourteen eyes of 10 consecutive patients undergoing microincisional vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) for stage 4 and stage 5 ROP were included. There was a significant widening of the palpebral fissure height and length using this technique. No patient developed a lens injury during the surgery. All the canthotomy incisions completely healed at a four-week follow-up visit. This is a safe and effective technique for increasing surgical exposure in cases of ROP requiring vitrectomy.

The validity of hospital diagnostic and procedure codes reflecting morbidity in preterm neonates born

To determine the validity of diagnostic hospital billing codes for complications of prematurity in neonates <32 weeks gestation. Retrospective cohort data from discharge summaries and clinical notes (n = 160) were reviewed by trained, blinded abstractors for the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grades 3 or 4, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), stage 3 or higher, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and surgery for NEC or ROP. Data were compared to diagnostic billing codes from the neonatal electronic health record. IVH, PVL, ROP and ROP surgery had strong positive predictive values (PPV > 75%) and excellent negative predictive values (NPV > 95%). The PPVs for NEC (66.7%) and NEC surgery (37.1%) were low. Diagnostic hospital billing codes were observed to be a valid metric to evaluate preterm neonatal morbidities and surgeries except in the instance of more ambiguous diagnoses such as NEC and NEC surgery.

Successful treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in a very preterm baby: a case report

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide, including in Indonesia. ROP screening and intervention are essential to establish the diagnosis, stop disease progression, and prevent retinal detachment that causes blindness. ROP treatments such as vitrectomy and laser are beneficial. This case aims to report the anatomical and functional outcomes after surgery for ROP. Case description: A very preterm baby with 29 weeks of gestational age and birthweight of 1300 grams was referred to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital for ROP screening. Retinal camera (RetCam®) examination revealed stage 3 ROP in the right eye (RE) and stage 4A ROP in the left eye (LE). The LE underwent a vitrectomy, while the RE underwent laser photocoagulation under general anesthesia. Upon examination under sedation (EUS) after surgery, the retina was examined using RetCam® and was found attached to the LE and regressed on the RE. The baby is able to fixate on and follow objects. However, the refraction examination showed myopia in both eyes. Glasses were prescribed due to the myopia outcome in this case. Conclusion: Vitrectomy for stage 4A ROP and laser photocoagulation for stage 3 ROP are effective in anatomical and functional outcomes in a very preterm baby.

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF SURGERY FOR ADVANCED STAGE RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Advanced stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) could lead to childhood blindness and retinal surgery is needed as the main treatment. This case aims to report the clinical outcomes after surgery for advanced-stage ROP&#x0D; Case Report: A female infant was admitted to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic in Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Hospital Jakarta with a lack of visual contact in both eyes at 53 weeks of Post Menstrual Age (PMA). The infant was delivered at 28 weeks of gestational age with a birth weight of 1100 g. The baby was treated in NICU for 24 days and received oxygen therapy in the previous hospital. Retinal examination revealed that the patient had stage 5 ROP in the right eye and stage 4B ROP in the left eye. Furthermore, blinking reflect was absent in both eyes. Vitrectomy and endolaser were performed for the baby’s left eye. Surgery was not conducted for the infant’s right eye due to poor prognosis. Six weeks after surgery, the infant underwent examination under anesthesia (EUA) which showed that the retina was reattached with no vitreous hemorrhage, and intraocular pressure measurement was 7 mmHg. The result of the visual acuity test by Cardiff Acuity Cards was 6/60 on both eyes. Followed up EUA reported that the refraction test result on the left eye was S-3.75 C-5.75 x 85o and an undetermined result on the right eye due to opacity in the visual axis.&#x0D; Discussion: Several surgeries have been described as the treatment of choice for advanced-stage ROP, including scleral buckling and vitrectomy with or without the addition of endolaser. Previous studies illustrated that stage 5 ROP has a low success rate on lens-sparing vitrectomy compared to stage 4A and 4B. The outcome success rate was the best in stage 4A ROP. Moreover, stage 4B ROP had a moderate success rate with sufficient visual outcomes.&#x0D; Conclusion: The functional outcome of vitrectomy surgery may not equate to anatomic success. Retinal reattachment and moderate visual outcome were achieved by performing vitrectomy and endolaser in this case. Followed-up periodically is necessary for advanced stage ROP postoperatively.

Variation in hospital morbidities in an Australian neonatal intensive care unit network

ObjectiveThere is an expectation among the public and within the profession that the performance and outcome of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) should be comparable between centres with a similar...

Cataract in retinopathy of prematurity - A review.

Preterm babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can become blind if they do not receive appropriate timely intervention. The presence of cataract in these individuals in addition to visual deprivation amblyopia, also delays proper screening, adequate treatment, and makes follow-up assessment difficult. Anatomical differences in these infants and amblyopia management, especially in unilateral cataract, are other important concerns, and hence, management of these cases with cataract and ROP is challenging. In this review, studies where ROP cases were associated with cataract, were evaluated with a focus on preterm individuals less than 6 months age. Preterm babies are at increased risk of developing cataract because of systemic factors. In addition, those with ROP may have cataract associated with retinal detachment or treatment received. The type of cataract, risk factors, and pathophysiology associated with each cause varies. This review highlights these different aspects of cataract in ROP including causes, pathophysiology, types of cataracts, and management. The management of these cases is critical in terms of the timing of cataract surgery and the challenges associated with surgery and posterior segment management for ROP. Anatomical differences, preoperative retina status, pupillary dilatation, neovascularization of iris in aggressive posterior ROP, fundus examination, amblyopia, and follow-up are various important aspects in the management of the same. The preoperative workup, intraoperative challenges, postoperative care, and rehabilitation in these individuals are discussed.

Time of vitreal surgery for active retinopathy of prematurity

Background. The anatomical and functional results of surgery for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are determined not only by the stage of the pathological process, but also depend on the timing of its implementation.The aim: to estimate the effectiveness of vitrectomy for severe active retinopathy of prematurity, depending on the timing of surgical treatment.Methods. Vitreoretinal surgery was performed in 138 children (198 eyes) with severe stages of ROP. All patients were divided into three groups depending on the timing of surgical treatment: group 1 – 42–48 weeks of postconceptual age (PCA), with the progression of ROP after laser coagulation of the retina (LCS), group 2 – 39–41 weeks of PCA, with the progression of ROP after LCS, group 3 – 36–39 weeks of PCA, without previous LCS. A 3-port transscleral 27-G vitrectomy was performed by all patients. At the postoperative period, the results of vitrectomy were estimated by the anatomical attachment of the retina. The follow-up period was 12 months. Results. In group 1, in 31 cases (73.8 %), the surgical intervention was completed with silicone tamponade. By the end of the follow-up period, anatomical retinal attachment was achieved in 17 eyes (40.5 %).In group 2, surgical intervention was completed with silicone tamponade in 29 eyes (42 %). By the end of the follow-up period, anatomical retinal attachment was achieved in 52 eyes (75 %).In group 3, surgical intervention was completed with silicone tamponade in 11 of 87 eyes (12.6 %). Anatomical retinal attachment was achieved in 80 eyes (92 %).Conclusion. Untimely vitrectomy (42–48 weeks of PCA) in cases of ROP progression after LCR led to a worse result. If progress of ROP after laser treatment happens, early vitrectomy (39–41 weeks of PCA) should be performed. Primary vitrectomy should be performed in case of the optimal timing of laser treatment has been missed (after 36 weeks of PCV).

Pitfalls of Advanced Retinopathy of Prematurity Presentation: A Content Analysis of Medical Records.

PurposeTo identify the pitfalls in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening leading to advanced disease at Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA qualitative deductive content analysis was used to study the phenomena of defects in ROP screening. A retrospective review of medical records of newborns presenting to two tertiary eye care centers with advanced ROP (stage 4 and 5) from January 2012 to June 2019 was completed. An extensive review of the original files at the referring hospitals was conducted, including the general condition and findings of ophthalmic examination and the sequence of follow-up until the infant was discharged/referred. Data analysis was completed using pre-structured categorization matrix.ResultsRecords of 29 infants with advanced stage ROP were identified. Only 13 medical records were available and obtained. The pitfalls in screening found in the study were failure to refer by the neonatologist, delayed follow-up by the ophthalmologist, failure to follow-up by the ophthalmologist, failure to diagnose by the ophthalmologist, poor documentation in patient files, unavailability of ophthalmologist, family negligence, lack of treatment and delayed referral to a higher center, and progression despite timely screening and management.ConclusionAlthough clear ROP screening guidelines are available, implementations of these guidelines are suboptimal. This study showed that the most common defect in screening is physician’s inadequacy and unavailability. A proper network of competent ROP screening physicians in all neonatal intensive care units should be established. Centers for advanced ROP surgery should be allocated to deliver a timely surgical care if needed.

Immediate Sequential Bilateral Vitrectomy Surgery for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Single Surgeon Experience

Objectives:We report the safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral vitrectomy for stage 4 and stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Materials and Methods:Babies who had immediate sequential bilateral vitrectomy surgery for stage 4 or stage 5 ROP were included in this retrospective study. Clinical history, demographic characteristics of the patients, surgical procedure details, perioperative and postoperative ophthalmic and systemic complications, and postoperative anatomical success rates were evaluated. General anesthesia features were also recorded.Results:Seventy eyes of 35 babies who had immediate sequential bilateral vitrectomy surgery for stage 4 or stage 5 ROP were reviewed. At the time of surgery, the mean age was 41.4±4.9 weeks. There was preoperative plus disease in 58.6% of the eyes. The mean surgery/eye ratio was 1.2. Mean anesthesia time was 95±64 minutes. The mean follow-up was 28.1 months (3 to 84 months). Anatomical success was 95.7% for stage 4A (44/46 eyes), 83.3% for stage 4B (15/18 eyes), and 50% for stage 5 (3/6 eyes) ROP. Patients with stage 5 ROP had significantly less anatomical success than stage 4A and 4B (p=0.004). None of the patients had endophthalmitis and anesthesiarelated severe complications.Conclusion:Immediate sequential bilateral vitrectomy surgery can be considered an option for patients with active bilateral stage 4 and stage 5 ROP. The risk of endophthalmitis should be weighed against the risks of disease progression and anesthesia-related complications.

Different anesthesia management in preterm infants undergoing surgeries for retinopathy of prematurity: A retrospective study

Objective To evaluate the effect of different anesthesia management on clinical outcomes in former prematurely born infants undergoing surgeries for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods In this retrospective study, electronic medical record database was searched for all former prematurely born infants (gestational age Results Sixty eight preterm infants in the LMA group and 100 preterm infants in the ETT group were included. The incidence of adverse events during surgery (including airway management change and desaturation) was similar in LMA group and ETT group (4.4% vs. 1.0%, P =0.364). During the early recovery period after surgery, the incidence of difficult extubation (extubation time >30 min) was significantly lower in LMA group compared with ETT group (4.4% vs.15.0%, RR=0.262, 95%CI:0.073－0.942, P=0.029). The incidence of respiratory events was similar between the two groups (20.6% vs. 27.0%, P =0.342). However, the incidence of apnea was significantly lower in the LMA group than in the ETT group (5.9% vs.19.0%, RR=0.266, 95%CI: 0.086－0.822, P =0.015). No significant difference was observed between the LMA group and ETT group in incidences of cardiovascular events (0% vs. 1.0%, P =1.000) and unplanned admission to neonatal intensive care unit (5.9% vs. 7.0%, P=0.774). No airway spasm, re-intubation, aspiration or regurgitation was observed during early recovery. During late recovery after returning to ward, the incidence of adverse events was also similar between the two groups (0% vs. 2.0%, P =0.241). The median (IQR) extubation time was 6 (5, 10) min in LMA group and 10 (6, 19) min in ETT group (P Conclusion Compared with endotracheal intubation with intravenous muscle relaxant injection, laryngeal mask airway insertion without muscle relaxant could achieve an early extubation, and reduce the incidence of apnea during early recovery period in former prematurely born infants undergoing ROP surgery.

Commentary: Entry sites and access in retinopathy of prematurity surgery: How important are they?

Commentary: Entry sites and access in retinopathy of prematurity surgery: How important are they?

Retinopathy of prematurity treatment: Asian perspectives.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disease of developing retinal vessels that affects premature infants and can lead to severe and irreversible visual loss if left untreated. India and some other Asian countries are in the middle of a 'third ROP epidemic'. Blindness due to ROP is largely preventable if appropriate, adequate and accessible screening programmes are available. Screening of the premature babies is the first step in ROP management. With the increase in use of tele-screening techniques, more premature babies have been brought under the screening network both from urban and rural regions. Laser photocoagulation to the avascular retina using indirect ophthalmoscopy delivery system is the gold standard for ROP treatment and is usually done under topical anaesthesia in the Asian region in contrast to the western world. Use of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) although controversial in management of ROP has been found to be effective in various Asian studies as well. ROP surgery in India and other middle-income Asian countries is largely performed only in few tertiary eye care centres. Poor visual prognosis, late presentation with advanced retinal detachments, lack of adequate number of trained paediatric retinal surgeons and paediatric anaesthetists also contribute to this problem. This current paper summarizes the Asian experience of ROP management.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants With Retinopathy of Prematurity by Treatment.

Among extremely preterm infants, we evaluated whether bevacizumab therapy compared with surgery for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with adverse outcomes in early childhood. This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on preterm (22-26 + 6/7 weeks' gestational age) infants admitted to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers who received bevacizumab or surgery exclusively for ROP. The primary outcome was death or severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 18 to 26 months' corrected age (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition cognitive or motor composite score <70, Gross Motor Functional Classification Scale level ≥2, bilateral blindness or hearing impairment). The cohort (N = 405; 214 [53%] boys; median [interquartile range] gestational age: 24.6 [23.9-25.3] weeks) included 181 (45%) infants who received bevacizumab and 224 (55%) who underwent ROP surgery. Infants treated with bevacizumab had a lower median (interquartile range) birth weight (640 [541-709] vs 660 [572.5-750] g; P = .02) and longer durations of conventional ventilation (35 [21-58] vs 33 [18-49] days; P = .04) and supplemental oxygen (112 [94-120] vs 105 [84.5-120] days; P = .01). Death or severe NDI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 2.14) and severe NDI (aOR 1.14; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.70) did not differ between groups. Odds of death (aOR 2.54 [95% CI 1.42 to 4.55]; P = .002), a cognitive score <85 (aOR 1.78 [95% CI 1.09 to 2.91]; P = .02), and a Gross Motor Functional Classification Scale level ≥2 (aOR 1.73 [95% CI 1.04 to 2.88]; P = .04) were significantly higher with bevacizumab therapy. In this multicenter cohort of preterm infants, ROP treatment modality was not associated with differences in death or NDI, but the bevacizumab group had higher mortality and poor cognitive outcomes in early childhood. These data reveal the need for a rigorous appraisal of ROP therapy.

Prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related risk factors and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Study Design:The study included infants born <30 weeks in California from 2007–2011. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to assess the association between prenatal and postnatal inflammation-related exposures and severe ROP, defined as stage 3–5 or surgery for ROP.Results:Of 14,816 infants, 10.8% developed severe ROP. Though prenatal inflammation-related risk factors were initially associated with severe ROP, after accounting for the effect of these risk factors on gestational age at birth through mediation analysis, the association was non-significant (P=0.6). Postnatal factors associated with severe ROP included prolonged oxygen exposure, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.Conclusion:Postnatal inflammation-related factors were associated with severe ROP more strongly than prenatal factors. The association between prenatal inflammation-related factors and ROP was explained by earlier gestational age in infants exposed to prenatal inflammation.

Evaluation of performance of C-MAC® video laryngoscope Miller blade size zero for endotracheal intubation in preterm and ex-preterm infants: A retrospective analysis.

Background and Aims:The preterm and ex-preterm babies form a separate group among the paediatric population with unique airway anatomy. The utility of C-MAC® Video laryngoscope (VL) for routine intubation of preterm babies has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to report the performance of C-MAC® VL Miller blade size-0 for endotracheal intubation in preterm babies at our institute.Methods:After Institute Ethics Committee approval, a retrospective study was designed to evaluate the performance of C-MAC® VL for intubation in preterm and ex-preterm babies. The medical files, and video recordings of preterm babies up to 60 weeks of post-gestational age who had undergone surgery for retinopathy of prematurity from January 2014 to April 2016 were reviewed. All babies were intubated with C-MAC® Miller blade size-0. Demographic parameters, time to best glottic view (TTGV), time to intubate (TTI), ease and number of intubation attempts were assessed. Episodes of desaturation and complications related to intubation were recorded.Results:Data of 37 preterm and ex-preterm babies were analysed. The mean age and weight at the time of surgery were 40.5 (±4.9) weeks and 2532 (±879) grams respectively. The median TTGV and TTI were 11.0 and 22.0 seconds. A total of 32 babies (86.5%) were intubated on initial attempt and five were intubated on second attempt. Stylet was used to facilitate intubation in all infants. There was no incidence of desaturation, mucosal injury or bleeding.Conclusion:C-MAC video laryngoscope Miller blade size 0 is suitable for endotracheal intubation in preterm and ex-preterm infants.

General anesthesia management in 15 preterm infant undergoing diode laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: a retrospective study

Anesthesia management of preterm infants is challenging for the anesthesiologist. Because of the rudimentary build of the infants, many medical and physical problems have been observed in the treatment of the disease such as complications, airway problems, temperature disregulation and deficient drug metabolism. This retrospective study evaluates the perioperative management and postoperative course in premature infants undergoing diode laser photocoagulation (DLP) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We analyzed the preoperative data, anesthesia chart, and postoperative course of 15 preterm infants for general anesthesia exposures for ROP surgery. Minimum weight and gestational age at birth were 480 g and 23 weeks, respectively. Mean value of weight at birth was less than 1000 g (886,3g) differently from other studies. The mean anesthesia and surgery duration were 80,9 and 60,4 min, respectively. Paracetamol was implemented for postoperative analgesia through rectal route in 5 infants and intravenous route in 10 infants at the start of surgery. Eleven patients were extubated in the operating room and 4 infants were extubated in the following days. Birth weights of infants were between 480 and 1240 g. Supraglottic airway such as I-gel was applied in 5 infants, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in 5 infants and endotracheal intubation (ETI) was applied in 4 infants. In the present study, we found that intraoperative complications, duration of anesthesia and surgery were acceptable and similar to those of other studies. However, the value of apnea in current study was less significant when compared to other studies,which can be correlated with intubation without muscle relaxant or post-conceptual age over 35 weeks.

Graded oxygen saturation targets and retinopathy of prematurity in extremely preterm infants.

We compared the incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and need for laser treatment before and after implementing graded pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets in extremely preterm infants. Mortality and other secondary outcomes were compared. Before 2002, we used 90-94% as the SpO2 target in infants 24(0/7)-27(6/7)wk gestation and birth weight <1,000 g until 35(6/7) wk postmenstrual age (PMA). We implemented graded SpO2 targets based on vaso-obliterative and vaso-proliferative phases of ROP in 2002. Group 1 (1995-2001) before, and Group 2 (2003-2010) after implementation of graded SpO2 targets based on PMA (83-89% until 32(6/7) wk, 90-94% until 35(6/7) wk and >94% at ≥ 36 wk PMA). There were 267 patients in Group 1 and 220 in Group 2. There was no significant difference in birth weight or gestational age. Severe ROP (adjusted OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.30; P < 0.001) and laser surgery rates (adjusted OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.52; P < 0.001) decreased significantly in Group 2. There was no difference in mortality (adjusted OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.37, 1.49; P = 0.40). In this retrospective cohort study, implementation of graded SpO2 targets decreased severe ROP and need for laser therapy, without increasing mortality.

The Effect of Peribulbar Block with General Anesthesia for Vitreoretinal Surgery in Premature and Ex-Premature Infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Safe anesthesia in premature and ex-premature infants remains a challenge for the anesthesiologist. These infants are at risk of postoperative apnea, desaturation, and bradycardia after general anesthesia. We describe our experience of peribulbar block in 24 infants who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for retinopathy of prematurity. None of our patients had postoperative apnea or required neonatal intensive care admission. A possible opioid and muscle relaxant-sparing effect of peribulbar block might have reduced the incidence of postoperative complications.

Long-term Outcomes on Lens Clarity after Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy for Retinopathy of Prematurity

To describe the long-term effect of lens-sparing vitrectomy surgery for advanced retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on lens clarity. Retrospective case series at a single tertiary referral pediatric vitreoretinal practice. Four hundred ninety-six eyes from 351 patients were included. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with diagnosis of ROP stage 4A, 4B, and 5 who underwent lens-sparing vitrectomy (LSV) between 1992 and 2013. Data were collected from patient charts, including gender, date of birth, gestational age at birth, birthweight, stage of ROP at presentation, initial treatment (laser or cryotherapy), date of LSV, date of lensectomy (if performed), lens status at time of lensectomy, date of last visit, lens status at last visit, subsequent retinal surgeries, and retinal attachment status at last visit. Patients were excluded if any surgery had been performed at an outside institution before referral, or if a scleral buckle had been placed. Eyes with a concurrent anatomic abnormality, such as coloboma or microcornea, or a known family history of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), were also excluded. Retinal reattachment after LSV, lensectomy after LSV, lens opacity at the time of lensectomy, and lens clarity at last follow-up. Four hundred ninety-six eyes from 351 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. The reattachment rate after a single LSV surgery was 82.1% for stage 4A, 69.5% for stage 4B, and 42.6% for stage 5. Subsequent retinal surgeries were required in 19.8% of eyes, with 88.7% of them including a lensectomy. Among eyes requiring lensectomy, 75% occurred within the first year after LSV surgery. Lens opacities were present in 26.6% of eyes at the time of lensectomy. Of all eyes in this series, 5.9% required lensectomy because of lens opacity. This study demonstrates that lens clarity is observed in most eyes after LSV surgery for advanced ROP for the patient's childhood. Within the first decade of life, if necessary, lensectomy after LSV occurred mostly within 1 year following LSV.

Decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation after surgery for retinopathy of prematurity: sedoanalgesia vs. general anesthesia.

Premature infants experience more respiratory problems after surgical procedures. We aimed to compare general anesthesia with sedation regarding the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation in infants undergoing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) surgery. Sixty patients who underwent laser surgery for ROP were included in this study. This study was performed between October 2010 and December 2012. The sedation group (Group S, n = 30) received 1 mg/kg ketamine and 1 mg/kg propofol as a bolus for induction. The patients then received an infusion of 100-150 μg kg(-1) min(-1) propofol and 0.25 mg kg(-1) h(-1) ketamine for maintenance. In the general anesthesia group (Group G, n = 30), anesthesia was induced using 8% sevoflurane by inhalation with 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (2%) and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. There was no difference in gestational age, birth weight, current age, or current body weight between the two groups. Preoperative medical histories of the groups were similar. Two patients in Group S and 11 patients in Group G required postoperative mechanical ventilation (P = 0.010). Blood pressures and heart rates were similar. In premature infants, sedoanalgesia administration reduced the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation after surgery for ROP.