Comparing the effects of different anesthesia types on pupil response after surgery

Infrared Pupillometry - Effects of Different Types of General Anesthesia on Postoperative Pupillary Reactivity

Not applicable Interventional Medical University of Vienna · NCT04307238

This study is testing whether different types of anesthesia affect how well your pupils respond after ENT surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment108 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna, State of Vienna)
Trial IDNCT04307238 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effects of volatile and intravenous anesthetics on pupillary function in patients undergoing elective Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery. It employs a monocentric, prospective, double-blinded randomized design, where participants will be assigned to receive either intravenous or inhalative anesthesia. Postoperative pupillary reactivity will be monitored using a portable infrared pupillometer to assess changes in pupillary light reflex. The findings may provide insights into postoperative vigilance and readiness for discharge.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 99 years undergoing elective ENT surgery under general anesthesia with an ASA classification of I-II.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of mental illness, neurological diseases, or those taking certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessments of postoperative recovery and readiness for discharge, potentially reducing complications and readmission rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using pupillometry for this purpose may be novel, similar studies have explored the effects of anesthesia on postoperative recovery with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged ≥ 18 and ≤99 years
* ASA I-II
* Patients undergoing elective ENT surgery under general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged \< 18 and \>99 years
* consumption of antidepressants, tranquilizer, psychotropic medications
* history of mental illness, neurosurgery, neurological or psychiatric disease
* ophthalmologic disease
* preexisting cognitive impairment
* Patients with drug dependence, alcoholism
* the patients' inability to follow procedures
* implanted electronic medical devices

Where this trial is running

Vienna, State of Vienna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pupillary Reflex ImpairedPupillary Light ReflexGeneral AnesthesiaPostoperative VigilanceAlertnessPostoperative RecoveryInfrared Pupillometry
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.