A cross-sectional study on anesthetic effects on eye surgery patients in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja, Uganda.

Abstract

Background.

Despite anesthesia's critical role in ensuring surgical comfort and safety, there is an inadequate understanding of its effects on patients undergoing eye surgery. This study assesses the anesthetic effects on patients undergoing eye surgery at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Jinja, Uganda.

 Methodology.

The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. Quantitative data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires from simple random samples of participants. Data analysis was done manually, and results were presented in the form of tables, charts, and figures.

 Results

Most 40(56%) of participants were male, modal age 45 to 54 had a high proportion of eye surgery patients, 29(40%) had history of eye surgery and 43 (60%) had no history of eye surgery, 50% indicated predominance of local anesthesia, 42% of patients experienced mild pain after surgery, 25(35%) presented with nausea, 18(25%) dizziness 10(14%) vomiting,12(17%) headache, 7(9%) fatigue as anaesthetic effects, 50(70%) patients where managed with medication,12(16%) managed with vital sign monitoring, 8(11%) managed with patient education 15(21%) with post-operative monitoring and 5(7%) with analgesia and sedatives then 30(42%) were somehow satisfied with eye surgery services.

 Conclusions.

Anesthetic effects on eye surgery patients were generally manageable, with most patients reporting mild pain or no pain post-surgery. However, a small proportion experienced severe pain, indicating the need for tailored pain management strategies. Common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches were frequently reported, particularly among patients receiving general or regional anesthesia.

 Recommendations.

There is a need to provide comprehensive preoperative counseling to all patients about the type of anesthesia, potential side effects, and recovery expectations. This will help patients better understand and manage side effects, improving overall satisfaction.