Analgesic Efficacy of Pre-Operative Oral Pregabalin in Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery

Abstract

Background: External dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is still considered the golden standard for lacrimal surgery. It is a painful procedure that involves intra- and extra-ocular dissection with a high prevalence post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of preoperative oral pregabalin on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements in patients undergoing DCR surgery. Design: A prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial. Patients and methods: 100 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical classes I and II patients in an age ranging from 18 to 65 years of either sex, had DCR surgery. Patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (each = 50). In pregabalin group, they received two capsules of pregabalin (one at the night of the surgery, the other at 2 hours before the surgery), while patients in control group received two identical placebo capsules. Hemodynamics were monitored, postoperative VAS scores, the time of first analgesic request, total pethidine requirements, and the incidence of PONV were recorded as well. Statistical analysis: A prospective analysis of the collected data was performed using the SPSS program for Windows (version 22). Results: The pregabalin group exhibited a significant lower incidence of postoperative pain, pethidine consumption and nausea, without any statistically significant differences regarding hemodynamic parameters in comparison to control group. Conclusion: Preoperative oral administration of pregabalin can be a promising modality for alleviation of postoperative pain and reduction in postoperative opioid consumption.