The Effect of Age and Sex on Postoperative Pain after Deep Vitrectomy

Abstract

Background: Regardless of the exact reason, it is important to identify patients who are at greater risk for pain. There are few studies about the effects of age and gender in pain perception during and after deep vitrectomy; so, we performed this study to evaluate the effects of these two factors in this regard. Methods: In a descriptive study, 440 patients scheduled for deep vitrectomy were randomly allocated to three age groups, group 1: 17-34, group 2: 35-52, and group 3: 53-70 years old. General anesthesia was performed in the same manner in all the groups. Pain intensity [based on the visual analog scale (VAS)] and additional opioid consumption was assessed on entrance to the recovery room, and 30 and 60 minutes and 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours after arrival it. Findings: Pain intensity in time of entrance to recovery room was 3.73 ± 1.46, 3.05 ± 1.08 and 4.19 ± 2.03 in groups of 17-34, 35-52 and 53-70 years, respectively and the difference between the groups was significant (P 0.050 for all). Conclusion: Women and elder patients experience more intense pain after deep vitrectomy.

Keywords

• Age
• Gender
• Postoperative pain
• Vitrectomy