Evaluation of factors affecting post cataract surgery headache

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of post-surgery headache is different based on the type of operation, but there are no reports on prevalence of headache after cataract surgery. Therefore, in this study we have investigated the factors that influence this kind of headache. Methods: This study was performed on 770 patients undergoing cataract surgery. After collecting demographic information, patients underwent phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract surgery. The data about headache after recovery period and 24 hours after surgery, surgery type, anesthesia method and drugs consumption was also recorded. The variables were analyzed using t-test, chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Findings: The incidence of headache in recovery period was higher among men (44.8) (P < 0.001), extracapsular technique (57.1) (P < 0.004), in general anesthesia (43.8) (P < 0.004), the use of fentanyl (46.2) (P < 0.05), in patients with a history of headache (69.5) (P < 0.001), in patients without a history of caffeine consumption (50.5) (P < 0.001), with no history of using analgesic drugs (41.4) (P < 0.001), eye pain (41.6 ) (P < 0.001) and surgery in the afternoon (39.3) (P < 0.001). Similarly, 24 hours after surgery, this number was higher in extracapsular technique (39.1) (P < 0.001), the use of fentanyl (25.8) (P < 0.027), surgery lasting more than 30 minutes (40.0) (P < 0.001), in patients with a history of headache (32.0) (P < 0.001), in patients with a history of sinusitis (19.4) (P < 0.001), in patients without a history of smoking and drug abuse (18.3) (P < 0.001) and surgery in the afternoon (17.2) (P < 0.027). Conclusion: The prevalence of headache in patients undergoing cataract surgery is high and the risk factors are male, general anesthesia, use of fentanyl, extracapsular surgery, history of previous headaches, sinusitis, pain of eye after surgery and patients without a history of caffeine, cigarettes and analgesic drug use. © 2016, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All Rights Reserved.