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.