Low-Dose Propofol with Peribulbar Anaesthesia for Cataract Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology
• Patient Reported Outcome Measures

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure.
• Sedation is often used to improve patient comfort during local anesthesia.
• The effects of low-dose propofol on patient-reported outcomes in cataract surgery require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of low-dose propofol sedation on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) during cataract surgery.
• To assess the impact of propofol on pain, satisfaction, anxiety, needle recall, pulse, and blood pressure.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, single-blinded, observational prospective study.
• 97 patients undergoing elective cataract surgery with peribulbar anesthesia were randomized to receive either no sedation or low-dose propofol.
• PROMs including pain, satisfaction, anxiety, needle recall, pulse, and blood pressure were measured.

Main Results:

• Low-dose propofol was associated with significantly lower pain (p = 0.008) and anxiety (p = 0.002).
• Propofol administration significantly reduced needle recall (p < 0.001) and lowered systolic and mean blood pressure.
• Anxiety, needle recall, systolic blood pressure, and pulse were dependent on patient age and propofol use.

Conclusions:

• Low-dose propofol administered immediately prior to local anesthesia in cataract surgery is associated with reduced pain and needle recall.
• Propofol sedation can improve patient-reported outcomes, including lower anxiety and blood pressure.
• This sedation strategy offers a safe and effective method for enhancing patient comfort during cataract surgery.