Postoperative Pain Following Eye Enucleation: A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pain Management
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Eye enucleation, a major ophthalmic surgery, is performed for various severe conditions.
• This procedure results in the loss of a highly innervated organ, potentially leading to significant pain.
• Postoperative pain following eye enucleation requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically assess and quantify postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing eye enucleation.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction with existing pain management strategies.
• To identify the need for improved pain control protocols.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center study involving 24 patients undergoing eye enucleation.
• Patients completed standardized pain and side-effect questionnaires preoperatively and on days 1-3 post-surgery.
• Pain intensity (average and maximum) was recorded using validated scales (QUIPS, painDETECT®).

Main Results:

• Preoperative average pain intensity was 3.29, peaking at 4.67 on day 1 post-surgery.
• Mean maximum pain intensity was 4.71 preoperatively, rising to 5.75 on day 1 post-surgery.
• A significant majority (79.2%) of patients expressed a desire for more effective pain therapy.

Conclusions:

• Patients undergoing eye enucleation experience substantial postoperative pain requiring intervention.
• Current pain management is insufficient, necessitating improved, standardized approaches.
• Interdisciplinary, standardized pain treatment concepts, including regional procedures, are crucial for better patient care.