Attenuation of increased intraocular pressure with propofol anesthesia: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Attenuation of an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) is crucial to preventing devastating postoperative visual loss following surgery. IOP is affected by several factors, including the physiologic alteration due to pneumoperitoneum and patient positioning and differences in anesthetic regimens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and volatile anesthesia on IOP. We searched multiple databases for relevant studies published before October 2019. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of propofol-based TIVA and volatile anesthesia on IOP during surgery were considered eligible for inclusion. Twenty studies comprising 980 patients were included. The mean IOP was significantly lower in the propofol-based TIVA group after intubation, pneumoperitoneum, Trendelenburg positioning, and lateral decubitus positioning. Moreover, mean arterial pressure and peak inspiratory pressure were also lower after intubation in the propofol-based TIVA group. Trial sequential analyses for these outcomes were conclusive. Propofol-based TIVA is more effective than volatile anesthesia during surgery at attenuating the elevation of IOP and should be considered, especially in at-risk patients.