Intraocular Pressure Changes during Laparoscopic Surgery in Trendelenburg Position in Patients Anesthetized with Propofol-based Total Intravenous Anesthesia Compared to Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Comparative Study.

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is increased during laparoscopic surgery with Trendelenburg position and may contribute to deleterious effects on optic nerve in susceptible patients.

Aims: The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with those of sevoflurane anesthesia on IOP in patients undergoing lower abdominal laparoscopic surgery in Trendelenburg position. Secondary objectives are to compare hemodynamic changes, mean arterial pressure (MAP), end-tidal CO, and peak inspiratory pressure changes.

Materials And Methods: Sixty patients with physical status American Society of Anesthesiologists classes I and II were randomly allocated in two groups: Group A (propofol) and Group B (sevoflurane). IOP along with other parameters was measured at seven points including baseline (T0), 5 min after induction (T1), 5 min after CO pneumoperitoneum in supine position (T2), 30 min after CO pneumoperitoneum with Trendelenburg position (T3), 5 min after returning to supine position (T4), 5 min after CO desufflation (T5), and 5 min after extubation (T6).

Results: The change in IOP was different between the two groups. Maximum rise in IOP was seen at T3, and mean ± standard deviation IOP was 15.5 ± 0.9 mmHg and 19.8 ± 1.2 mmHg in Group A and Group B, respectively ( < 0.01). In Group A (propofol), IOP remained almost equal to the baseline value at T3 and the IOP difference was 0.3 ± 0.9 mmHg less than baseline (statistically insignificant, > 0.05), while in Group B (sevoflurane), IOP increased significantly at T3 and the difference was 4.0 ± 1.2 mmHg ( < 0.001). The IOP was significantly greater ( < 0.01) from T2 to T6 in sevoflurane group than propofol group.

Conclusion: Propofol-based TIVA is more effective than inhalational anesthesia with sevoflurane in attenuating the increase in IOP during laparoscopic surgery requiring CO pneumoperitoneum with Trendelenburg position.