Abstract:
increased risk of perioperative respiratory discomfort even during minor procedures such as cataract surgery
performed under local anesthesia. Intraoperative coughing, dyspnea, and poor cooperation may adversely affect
surgical outcomes. Preoperative bronchodilation with salbutamol may improve respiratory stability and patient
comfort; however, evidence in ophthalmic surgeries is limited.
Aim: To compare the efficacy of preoperative salbutamol nebulization in improving patient comfort and
surgical outcomes during cataract surgery in patients with COPD and/or asthma, and to propose a standard
preoperative protocol.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted over one year in a tertiary care
center. Thirty adult patients with bronchial asthma and/or COPD undergoing cataract surgery were randomly
allocated into two groups: salbutamol group (n=15), receiving preoperative nebulization with salbutamol (2.5
mg), and control group (n=15), receiving standard care without nebulization. Patient comfort (better/uneventful
vs breathlessness) and intraoperative surgical conditions (uneventful vs disrupted) were assessed. Statistical
analysis was performed using Chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: The mean age was comparable between the salbutamol (65.4 ± 7.3 years) and control groups (69.9 ±
7.8 years). Good patient comfort was observed in 86.7% of patients in the salbutamol group compared to 40.0%
in the control group (χ²=7.03, p=0.008). Breathlessness was significantly lower in the intervention group (13.3%
vs 60.0%). Uneventful surgical conditions were achieved in 86.7% of patients receiving salbutamol compared to
40.0% in controls (χ²=7.03, p=0.008).
Conclusion: Preoperative salbutamol nebulization significantly improves intraoperative patient comfort and
surgical conditions in patients with COPD and asthma undergoing cataract surgery. Incorporating this simple
and cost-effective intervention into routine preoperative protocols may enhance surgical outcomes and patient
experience.
