Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Single Lung Ventilation Duration and Intraoperative Brain Oxygenation on Cognitive Function and Postoperative Pain in Geriatric Patients

One lung ventilation (OLV) is commonly used in thoracic surgery. Although the lack of ventilation of the lung in the surgical area (independent lung) during OLV redirects pulmonary blood flow to the dependent lung, shunt development is inevitable, and consequently, hypoxia is a frequently encountered condition. Therefore, one of the most important aspects that clinicians pay attention to during OLV is cerebral oxygen saturation in addition to peripheral oxygenation monitoring. Studies have shown a correlation between decreased cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Patients undergoing OLV are also at risk of cerebral desaturation due to this non-physiological ventilation. Patients undergoing OLV are at risk of cerebral oxygen desaturation. Therefore, in these patients, both cognitive dysfunction and changes in brain oxygenation can negatively affect pain-related centers, altering pain perception. Geriatric patients are particularly more affected by these negative effects. It is generally accepted by healthcare professionals specializing in pain management that the application of pain management should differ for elderly patients compared to younger patients. Analgesic dose adjustment should be done more carefully in geriatric patients. Increased sensitivity to opioids due to hypoxia can cause respiratory depression and increased analgesic effects. To avoid these, opioid dose adjustment is necessary in these patients. In conclusion, cerebral oxygen saturation measurement can be an effective method to detect cerebral oxygen desaturation, especially in the geriatric patient group. In this way, the effect of hypoxia caused by OLV on cerebral oxygen saturation can be detected early, and POCD can be limited. We believe that this situation can also contribute to effective postoperative pain management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intraoperative brain oxygenation on cognitive function and postoperative pain in geriatric patients who underwent OLV. MATERİAL AND METHODS This study will be conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and will take place at Health Sciences University Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital . The study will be planned for geriatric patients over 65 years of age with a high school diploma or higher education level who have given informed consent and are scheduled for OLV with standard anesthesia monitoring. These patients, undergoing thoracic surgery via thoracotomy and who agree to participate in this study and sign an informed consent form, will be prospectively enrolled. A total of 30 patients will be included in our study. Preoperatively, patients will undergo standard monitoring including non-invasive arterial blood pressure, electrocardiography, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). Cerebral oxygenation of patients who have signed an informed consent form the day before will be recorded throughout the surgical procedure using probes placed on the forehead before the induction of anesthetic drugs. The standard anesthesia and analgesia protocol that we routinely apply to patients will be applied throughout the surgery. Routine preoperative blood tests, age, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), gender, diagnosis, preoperative comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.), previous surgeries (any surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia before this study), American Society of Anesthesiologists ( ASA) score, and duration of surgery will be recorded for each patient. Hemodynamic data (systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse, SpO2, and cerebral oxygen saturation will be recorded before anesthesia induction, after induction, and at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after the start of OLV. These hemodynamic data will also be recorded at the end OLV and at the end of the operation. OLV duration, anesthesia duration, surgery duration, amount of fluid administered, urine output, and whether blood replacement was performed will be recorded. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores will be recorded at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively. Analgesic medications administered during the 24-hour postoperative period will also be recorded. VAS evaluation will be performed on a 100 mm scale, where 0: no pain and 100: maximum pain, indicating the patient's pain level. During this process, any possible side effects that may develop due to analgesic treatment will be recorded. The Mini Mental Test (MMT) form will be completed by patients one day before surgery, 48 hours postoperatively, on the 7th day postoperatively. MMT consists of eleven items grouped under five main headings: Orientation, recording memory, attention and calculation, recall, and language, and is evaluated out of a total score of 30.

Opioid Consumption After Thoracotomy and Factors Affecting Postoperative Acute Pain

Thoracic surgery operations constitute a significant portion of surgical procedures performed in hospitals. In the United States, more than 50,000 thoracic surgical procedures are performed annually, and more than 80% of these patients experience moderate to severe postoperative pain requiring opioid administration, which increases the risk of complications . It has also been reported that chronic pain develops in approximately 50% of patients after thoracic surgery . Thoracic surgery is commonly associated with severe, multifactorial pain during the postoperative period and is among the surgical branches with a high risk of developing chronic pain Despite advances in understanding postoperative pain mechanisms and improvements in pain management, inadequate postoperative pain control remains an unresolved healthcare problem. Higher acute pain scores are associated with less effective ventilation and coughing, increased incidence of lower respiratory tract infections, and prolonged ICU and hospital stays . In the management of acute postoperative pain after thoracic surgery, clinicians have sought alternatives to thoracic epidural analgesia to avoid its potential adverse effects. Truncal blocks such as thoracic paravertebral block, erector spinae plane block, and serratus anterior block have been used to reduce postoperative pain . Additionally, various other analgesic techniques such as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and multimodal analgesia have been employed. Historically, the cornerstone of acute postoperative pain control has been systemic opioids administered via oral, intravenous, or thoracic epidural routes . Although opioids provide excellent pain relief, they are associated with significant side effects that can adversely affect recovery . With the increasing use of ultrasonography (USG), truncal blocks have become more widespread. Alongside the development of Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERATS) protocols, efforts have been made to reduce opioid use, leading to differing opinions regarding the management of acute pain after thoracic surgery. To prevent opioid use disorder and potential side effects, opioid-free or opioid-sparing approaches are now being encouraged in perioperative pain management . Conversely, some studies suggest that intraoperative opioid administration may have favorable effects on postoperative acute and chronic pain. Previous research has reported that the average daily opioid consumption after thoracic surgery is approximately 30 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) . Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become more common, thoracotomy cases still constitute a large proportion of thoracic surgery procedures. Moreover, severe postoperative pain after thoracic surgery is most commonly associated with the thoracotomy incision itself. While some studies have suggested that new truncal block techniques may provide effective analgesia and reduce opioid consumption after thoracotomy, further studies are needed to determine which blocks are most commonly preferred and how opioid consumption patterns have changed with the adoption of these newer regional techniques. A review of the current literature reveals that the factors influencing acute pain after thoracotomy have not been sufficiently evaluated. Therefore, a re-evaluation of the factors affecting acute pain following thoracotomy, considering recent developments in pain management, is necessary. Furthermore, examining the relationship between perioperative opioid consumption, postoperative complications, and hospital length of stay in this patient population will provide valuable contributions to the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the amount of opioid consumption following thoracotomy and to investigate whether perioperative opioid use affects acute pain, postoperative complications, and the length of hospital stay.

VR During Chest Tube Removal After CABG

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to investigate whether virtual reality (VR) could reduce pain and anxiety during chest tube removal in adult patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The main questions this study aimed to answer were: * Does the use of virtual reality reduce pain during chest tube removal? * Does the use of virtual reality reduce anxiety and improve physiological responses during chest tube removal? Researchers compared patients who received virtual reality in addition to routine care with patients who received routine care alone. A total of 82 patients participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, with 41 patients in each group. Participants in the virtual reality group: * Wore a VR headset and watched nature videos with accompanying sounds, starting five minutes before chest tube removal and continuing throughout the procedure. * Received routine care during chest tube removal. Participants in the control group: \- Received routine care during chest tube removal without virtual reality. Pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters were assessed before and after chest tube removal to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

The Effect of Preoperative Hugging With Family Members on Preoperative Anxiety Levels and Postoperative Pain

The aim of this randomized prospective study is to examine the effect of preoperative family hugging (for at least 20 seconds) on preoperative anxiety levels and postoperative pain. The main question the study aims to answer is: * Does preoperative hugging reduce anxiety levels? * Does preoperative hugging reduce postoperative pain scores? Anxiety and pain scores will be evaluated between patients who hugged and those who did not hug their family members before surgery, and whether hugging has an effect will be assessed.

Effect of GaAlAs 940 Laser on Pain and Wound Healing After Free Gingival Graft

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the biomodulatory effects of a 940-nm GaAlAs diode laser on postoperative pain control and wound healing at the palatal donor site following free gingival graft harvesting. Adult patients undergoing free gingival graft surgery will be randomly allocated to receive either a single session of adjunctive diode laser irradiation immediately after surgery or sham laser irradiation without therapeutic laser energy delivery. Postoperative pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale, while clinical parameters related to wound healing, including bleeding tendency, epithelialization, and wound size reduction, will be evaluated at predefined follow-up time points. The findings of this study may contribute to the clinical understanding of photobiomodulation in free gingival graft surgery.

Effect of iPACK and BiFeS Blocks on Quality of Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of two different posterior knee analgesia techniques-iPACK block (Interspace Between the Popliteal Artery and the Capsule of the posterior Knee) and the Biceps Femoris Short Head (BiFeS) block-when combined with an adductor canal block (ACB) in patients undergoing elective unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Effective postoperative analgesia is essential for early mobilization, enhanced recovery, and patient satisfaction after TKA. Although ACB provides good anterior knee analgesia while preserving quadriceps strength, additional posterior knee analgesia is often required. The iPACK block is a commonly used technique that targets the posterior knee capsule, whereas the newer BiFeS block aims to provide more selective posterolateral sensory blockade with potentially reduced risk of motor involvement. However, comparative clinical data between these two techniques are limited. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the difference between the iPACK and BiFeS blocks in terms of Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores at 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary objectives include comparisons of postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, time to first analgesic request, quadriceps and anterior tibialis muscle strength, functional test performance, time to mobilization, active range of motion, and the incidence of adverse events. A total of 74 adult patients scheduled for elective unilateral TKA under spinal anesthesia will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: ACB + iPACK block or ACB + BiFeS block. All blocks will be performed under ultrasound guidance by an experienced anesthesiologist. Outcome assessments will be conducted by blinded investigators. The study aims to provide high-quality clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of the BiFeS block compared to the widely used iPACK technique.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE (ESP) BLOCK AND QUADRO İLİAC PLANE (QIP) BLOCK ON POSTOPERATIVE OPIOID CONSUMPTION AND PAIN IN LUMBAR SPINAL SURGERY

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE (ESP) BLOCK AND QUADRO İLİAC PLANE (QIP) BLOCK ON POSTOPERATIVE OPIOID CONSUMPTION AND PAIN IN LUMBAR SPINAL SURGERY

Combined Cryotherapy With Compression Versus Cryotherapy Alone After Orthopaedic Surgery

Cryotherapy has been used to enhance recovery after orthopaedic surgery. Many devices are available but few can guarantee a temperature regulation during a prolonged time and therefore have been criticized. The arrival of new advanced cryotherapy devices made it possible to test the effect of prolonged cooling on rehabilitation after arthroscopic orthopaedic procedures.

Pain Education After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Study Title: The Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Conventional Rehabilitation on Pain Management and Functional Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Repair Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether adding Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) to a conventional rehabilitation program improves pain management, physical function, and psychosocial outcomes in patients who have undergone mini-open surgery for rotator cuff tears (RCT). The study will also compare the effects of PNE when delivered before versus after surgery. Who Can Participate: Adults aged 40-75 who have been diagnosed with a medium-sized rotator cuff tear and are scheduled for mini-open surgical repair. Participants must meet specific health criteria and be willing to participate in the rehabilitation program. Study Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1: Conventional rehabilitation only. Group 2: Conventional rehabilitation + PNE before surgery. Group 3: Conventional rehabilitation + PNE after surgery. PNE involves educational sessions that explain the biology of pain, how the nervous system processes pain, and strategies to reduce fear and catastrophizing related to pain. The study will last approximately 12 weeks, with regular assessments of pain levels, physical function, and psychosocial factors (e.g., fear of movement, depression, sleep quality). Potential Benefits: Participants may experience reduced pain, improved shoulder function, and better overall recovery. The study may provide valuable insights into how PNE can enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients with rotator cuff tears. Potential Risks: Some participants may find the educational sessions time-consuming or mentally challenging. There is a small risk of discomfort during physical assessments or rehabilitation exercises. Why is this study important?: Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability, especially in older adults. Post-surgical pain and fear of movement can slow recovery and reduce quality of life. This study will help determine whether PNE, when combined with conventional rehabilitation, can improve recovery outcomes and provide a better understanding of how timing (before or after surgery) affects its effectiveness.

A Phase 2 Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of HSK21542 in Patients for Postoperative Pain Treatment in Orthopedic Surgery

This is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo/active-controlled study. 160 subjects undergoing orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia are planned to be enrolled and randomized into the HSK21542 group, morphine group, and placebo group.

Minimum Effective Volume of Bupivacaine for Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

This study determined the median effective volume (EV50) of bupivacaine required for the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane (SPSIP) block in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The SPSIP block is an ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique used to provide postoperative pain relief after thoracic surgery. All patients received bupivacaine at a final concentration of 0.25%, prepared by diluting the commercially available 0.5% preparation 1:1 with 0.9% sodium chloride. Using a sequential up-and-down dose-adjustment method, the volume of local anesthetic was increased or decreased according to the block outcome of the preceding patient. The main outcome of the study was the volume that provided an effective block in 50% of patients. EV50 is not a recommended clinical dose; the results are intended to inform future studies targeting higher effective percentiles.

SORE Study: Sitz Baths After Urogynecologic Reconstruction

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of postoperative sitz baths in patient pain perception and recovery following surgical repair of prolapse. The SORE Study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial that aims to compare postoperative pain intensity one week after native tissue repair of pelvic organ prolapse for patients undergoing a sitz bath regimen versus usual care. Findings from this study may contribute to more robust, multimodal postoperative pain management plans if proven efficacious or, alternatively, reduce plastic medical waste and simplify postoperative pain plans if found to be ineffective.

A Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of HSK21542 in Patients for Postoperative Pain Treatment in Orthopedic Surgery

This is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo/active-controlled study. 405 subjects undergoing orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia are planned to be enrolled and randomized into the HSK21542 group, morphine group, and placebo group.

Trans-Auricular Stimulation for Postoperative Inflammation in Spine Surgery

This study is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the effect of non-invasive auricular vagal nerve stimulation on inflammatory markers, glycemic control, postoperative pain, and inflammation-related clinical outcomes after long-segment spinal fusion surgeries when compared to current accepted management.

Methadone Pharmacokinetics in Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac surgery frequently leads to significant postoperative pain, with multiple different drug regimens being utilized (both opioid and non-opioid) in an attempt to alleviate this surgical pain. Methadone is currently one of the drugs that is being utilized to help control the pain. It can be given during and/or after surgery. This study hopes to identify the optimal dose of methadone to use to treat this surgical pain.

ESPB vs SPSIP for Postoperative Analgesia After CABG

This prospective, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study compares the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) versus bilateral Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block (SPSIPB) in adult patients (45-85 years, ASA I-III) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative fentanyl/remifentanil consumption, postoperative morphine consumption, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) demand/delivery parameters (if PCA is used), need for rescue analgesics, extubation and mobilization times, peak inspiratory flow measured by incentive spirometry at predefined time points, ICU and hospital length of stay, recovery quality (QoR-15 at 0, 24, and 48 hours), mortality, and block-related adverse events.

Effect of Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided TAP Block on Quality of Recovery in Cesarean Delivery Patients Receiving Intrathecal Morphine

This prospective, assessor-blinded observational cohort study will investigate the effect of adding bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to standard intrathecal morphine (ITM) analgesia on the quality of recovery in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. All participants will receive ITM as part of routine spinal anesthesia. The TAP group will receive an additional bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block at the end of surgery, while the control group will not receive any additional block. Both groups will receive standardized postoperative analgesia with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA). The primary outcome is the quality of recovery at 24 hours postoperatively, measured using the validated Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, time to first breastfeeding, time to mobilization, time to hospital discharge, and total opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery. Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation. The study aims to determine whether TAP block enhances functional recovery, reduces pain, and decreases analgesic requirements when used alongside ITM in cesarean delivery patients.

Suzetrigine Versus Usual-care Opioids for Postop Pain in Sports

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a Suzetrigine-based multimodal pain regimen can reduce the volume of opioid consumption while maintaining non-inferior pain control compared to an opioid-based multimodal pain regimen after common ambulatory orthopaedic sports procedures. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does including Suzetrigine in the multimodal pain regimen lower the volume of opioids consumed by participants while maintaining non-inferior pain control? 2. How does the side-effect profile of a Suzetrigine-based multimodal postop pain regimen compare to that of an opioid-based multimodal postoperative pain regimen? Eligible participants will be assigned to receive one of the postop pain regimens and report their opioid use, their pain level, and the side effects they faced every day for 7 days.

Postoperative Analgesia in Thoracic Surgery

Analgesic management in thoracic surgery presents a particular challenge for the anesthesiologist, given the intensity of postoperative pain associated with thoracotomy, a surgical procedure that can impact respiratory function and the patient's subsequent recovery. Epidural analgesia is the gold standard. When epidural catheter placement is not feasible, erector spinae plane block is a safe alternative. The ultrasound target is easily visualized, and the injection site is far from the neuraxis, pleura, and major vascular structures. Consequently, this block has been incorporated into standard clinical practice as a treatment option for patients with complex cases or as an alternative approach when epidural catheter placement is not feasible. The primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. Study Population Design A prospective observational follow-up study will be conducted. ASA I-III patients undergoing scheduled thoracic surgery between November 1 and December 31, 2025, will be included. Their analgesic management will be based on standard clinical practice.

Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Epidural Block for Umbilical Hernia Analgesia

This observational study aims to compare the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and single-dose epidural anesthesia in patients undergoing umbilical hernia surgery. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at predefined postoperative time points. The study seeks to determine which analgesic approach provides superior pain control and patient satisfaction in the postoperative period.

Transversalis Fascia Plane Block Versus Surgical Wound Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether two different analgesic techniques - ultrasound-guided Transversalis Fascia Plane Block (TFPB) and surgical wound infiltration - can improve postoperative pain control in adult patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. The key questions that this study aims to answer are: Does TFPB reduce total intravenous opioid consumption within the first 24 postoperative hours compared with wound infiltration? Does TFPB improve postoperative pain scores at rest and during movement compared with wound infiltration? Does TFPB improve patient satisfaction, reduce the need for rescue analgesics, and enhance overall postoperative recovery quality? If there is a comparison group: The investigators will compare the effects of TFPB with wound infiltration to determine whether either technique provides superior postoperative analgesia and reduces opioid requirements. Participants will be asked to: Undergo open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia. Be randomly assigned to one of two groups: TFPB Group: Receive an ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia plane block with local anesthetic. Wound Infiltration Group: Receive local anesthetic infiltration performed by the surgeon along the incision line. Postoperatively: Report pain scores at defined intervals. Receive standardized IV analgesia with documentation of opioid consumption. Allow assessment of rescue analgesic requirement. Be monitored for adverse events and recovery outcomes.

IPACK vs Adductor Magnus Plane Block Added to Adductor Canal Block for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures for degenerative joint diseases, including advanced knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. More than 700,000 TKA procedures are performed annually in the United States alone since 2012, with projections estimating a 143% increase by 2050. A significant proportion of patients experience moderate to severe postoperative pain following the procedure, adversely affecting early mobilization, adherence to rehabilitation programs, and ultimately functional recovery . Femoral nerve block (FNB) was historically the cornerstone of TKA analgesia; however, concerns about quadriceps weakness and associated fall risk led to its replacement by more motor-sparing alternatives . Adductor canal block (ACB) has since become the standard approach, providing analgesia equivalent to FNB while significantly preserving quadriceps strength . Nevertheless, ACB does not adequately cover the posterior capsule and popliteal plexus terminals; consequently, 60-80% of TKA patients report significant posterior knee pain that cannot be sufficiently managed by ACB alone . To address this limitation, several posterior knee analgesia techniques have been described. The IPACK (Interspace between Popliteal Artery and Capsule of the Knee) block targets genicular nerve branches and popliteal plexus terminals by injecting local anesthetic between the popliteal artery and the posterior knee capsule, largely sparing the main motor trunks and providing selective posterior analgesia . The adductor magnus muscle plane (AMM) block is a relatively novel interfascial plane block technique applicable in the supine position simultaneously with ACB. By injecting local anesthetic into the fascial plane along the posterior surface of the adductor magnus muscle, the AMM block aims to spread to the popliteal plexus and posterior capsular branches, potentially mimicking a sciatic nerve block effect . A key advantage of the AMM block is its applicability without patient repositioning during the same session as ACB. The primary objective of this prospective randomized trial was to compare the effects of IPACK and AMM blocks-both added to ACB-on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing TKA. Secondary objectives included evaluating the impact of each technique on postoperative pain scores, mobilization time, functional recovery, and motor function

Comprasion of SPSIP and Rhomboid Intercostal Plan Blocks on VATS

This study aimed to compare rhomboid intercostal plane block and serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) to determine the most suitable technique for maintaining postoperative analgesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATS).

Evaluating the Efficacy and Utility of the Automated Pupillometer in Pain Assessment and Opioid Administration Guidance During the Perioperative Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effective intraoperative and postoperative pain management is critical for patient comfort and recovery, yet traditional methods for assessing pain under general anaesthesia are limited by their subjective nature and reliance on vital signs. Automated pupillometry, which gives the parameters of the pupillary light reflex (PLR) components, offers an objective and quantitative approach to evaluating nociception and pain. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the automated pupillometry in enhancing early postoperative pain control and to assess its utility in guiding opioid administration during the perioperative period. A prospective, non-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 68 patients undergoing laparotomy for gastrointestinal surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an interventional group, where analgesia is guided by automated pupillometry measurements, or a control group receiving standard pain management. Key outcomes include the time to first rescue analgesia, self-reported pain scores, opioid consumption. The automated pupillometry measurements will be taken at key surgical moments, including before induction, pre-incision, and during recovery. Pain scores and rescue analgesia use will be compared between groups using appropriate statistical tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves will analyze time to first rescue analgesia. Regression analyses will explore the relationship between pupillometry readings and postoperative pain. It is anticipated that the automated pupillometry guided group will experience longer intervals before requiring rescue analgesia and report lower pain scores, suggesting improved pain management and reduced opioid use. This study could validate automated pupillometry as an innovative tool for optimizing postoperative pain management, potentially improving patient outcomes by enabling more precise and effective analgesia in surgical settings.