Comparison of surgery time in phacoemulsification with and without pre-op alprazolam

Abstract Objectives: To compare the effect of pre-operative administration of oral alprazolam on phacoemulsification time in patients undergoing cataract surgery.Study Design: Case control StudyPlace and Duration of Study: This was a prospective cohort study conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi from August to September 2024.Patients and Methods: A total number of 100 patients undergoing phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were divided into 2 groups. One received oral alprazolam 1 mg, 1 hour prior to surgery, while the other was not given any medication. Time taken since start of phacoemulsification till the removal of the last piece of nucleus was noted. Results were compiled and the means of the two groups were compared using independent samples t-test.Results: A total of 94 females and 06 males participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 63.1 ± 7.51 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age or gender distribution. In Group A (Alprazolam), the mean surgery time was 4.74 ± 2.09 minutes, whereas in Group B (Control), the mean surgery time was 7.84 ± 2.42 minutes. This difference was statistically significant, with a p-value of less than 0.01.Conclusion: Preoperative administration of oral alprazolam significantly reduces phacoemulsification time in cataract surgery, likely due to reduction in patient anxiety and patient movement during the procedure and therefore enhances surgical outcomes.