Abstract ID: 26-196
Standardized Analgesia Improves Early Postoperative Outcomes After Eye Enucleation: A Prospective Comparative Study
Author: Alexander C. Rokohl, FEBO, MHBA Base Hospital / Institution: University of Cologne and Clear Vision Cologne, Cologne, Germany
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
To evaluate whether a standardized, NRS-guided analgesia protocol improves early postoperative pain control and recovery compared with non-standardized, physician-directed care in patients undergoing eye enucleation.
Methods
A total of 47 patients undergoing enucleation were included in this prospective comparative study. Patients in the standardized group received a stepwise analgesic regimen titrated according to Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores. The control group received usual care at the discretion of the attending physician. Pain intensity (mean and maximum), frequency, and treatment-related side effects were assessed on the day of surgery (OD), postoperative day 1 (POD1), and postoperative day 2 (POD2) using NRS and validated questionnaires (QUIPS, PainDETECT®).
Results
In the standardized group, mean pain scores decreased from 2.74 ± 3.43 (OD) to 2.35 ± 2.89 (POD1) and remained stable at 2.53 ± 3.07 (POD2). In contrast, the control group showed an increase from 3.29 ± 3.24 (OD) to 4.67 ± 1.90 (POD1), followed by a decrease to 3.25 ± 1.39 (POD2). Maximum pain levels were significantly lower in the standardized group on POD1 (p < 0.05). Additional analgesic demand was markedly reduced in the standardized group (13.0% vs. 79.2%). Early side effects (nausea, dizziness, fatigue) were initially more frequent in the standardized group but resolved rapidly by POD2. Constipation slightly increased in both groups. Sleep disturbances and impaired concentration improved faster under standardized analgesia.
Conclusion
A standardized, NRS-guided analgesia protocol leads to superior early postoperative pain control and reduces the need for rescue analgesics after enucleation. Despite transient increases in minor side effects, overall recovery was faster. These findings support the routine implementation of structured pain management protocols in ophthalmic surgery.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Ludwig M. | Heindl | University of Cologne and Clear Vision Cologne, Cologne, Germany |
| Constantin | Niederau | University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Ophthalmology, Cologne |
| Erik | Gordon | University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Ophthalmology, Cologne |
| Wanlin | Fan | University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Ophthalmology, Cologne |
| Yating | Liu | University Hospital of Cologne, Department of Ophthalmology, Cologne |