Our Summary

This study looked at postoperative pain (POP), or pain after surgery, in patients who had vitreo-retinal surgery (VRS), a type of eye surgery. The researchers looked back at a year’s worth of VRS patients to see how many experienced pain after their operation, what might have contributed to this pain, and how effective the standard pain relief methods were.

They found that about 22% of patients needed painkillers, most commonly acetaminophen, usually between two to six hours after surgery. Factors that seemed to increase the chance of experiencing post-surgery pain included having glaucoma and having a lengthy surgery. Older age, receiving painkillers at the end of surgery, and the use of a specific drug (remifentanil) during surgery under locoregional anesthesia (a type of anesthesia where only a specific area is numbed) were associated with less post-surgery pain. Patients who had general anesthesia (where the whole body is numbed) with an additional block of anesthesia had less pain compared to those who had locoregional anesthesia.

The study concluded that while post-surgery pain after eye surgery is not common, it does happen, especially after long surgeries. However, the type of anesthesia used and other decisions made by the anesthesiologist can help reduce this pain.

FAQs

  1. What factors were found to increase the chance of experiencing post-surgery pain after vitreo-retinal surgery?
  2. What type of anesthesia was associated with less post-surgery pain after vitreo-retinal surgery?
  3. How common is postoperative pain after vitreo-retinal surgery and how can it be managed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about retinal surgery is to discuss pain management options with their healthcare team before the surgery. This can include discussing any concerns about pain, asking about the type of anesthesia that will be used, and understanding what pain relief options will be available after the surgery. By having this conversation beforehand, patients can be better prepared for managing any postoperative pain that may occur.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended retinal surgery include those with retinal detachment, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, and other retinal disorders that may require surgical intervention to improve vision and prevent further complications.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery, a patient may experience vision problems, such as blurry vision, floaters, or flashes of light. They may also have a consultation with their ophthalmologist to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

During retinal surgery, the patient will be under anesthesia and may not feel any pain during the procedure. After surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with painkillers such as acetaminophen. The patient will likely have a follow-up appointment with their ophthalmologist to monitor their recovery and ensure that the surgery was successful.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after retinal surgery includes preoperative consultations, the surgery itself, postoperative pain management, and follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about retinal surgery include:

  1. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery?
  3. How long is the typical recovery time after retinal surgery?
  4. What postoperative symptoms should I watch for and report to my doctor?
  5. Are there any specific medications or pain management strategies recommended for postoperative pain?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery?
  7. What activities should I avoid during the recovery period?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after retinal surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for my specific condition?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with retinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Loriga B, Di Filippo A, Tofani L, Signorini P, Caporossi T, Barca F, De Gaudio AR, Rizzo S, Adembri C. Journal: Minerva Anestesiol. 2019 Jul;85(7):731-737. doi: 10.23736/S0375-9393.18.13078-1. Epub 2018 Nov 9. PMID: 30426732