Pre-emptive use of Gabapentin for post-operative pain relief in upper abdominal surgeries

Abstract

Background: Pain of upper abdominal surgeries not only distresses the patient but also results in inadequate respiratory efforts and cough reflex. So pain relief in these surgeries bears more significance than mere patient comfort. Gabapentine has been found effective for post-operative pain relief in many surgeries including spine surgeries, radical mastectomies etc. We carried out this study to find out the effectiveness of gabapentine for post-operative pain relief in upper abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: The present study was randomized, double-blind and prospective, designed to evaluate synergistic effect of gabapentine and total requirement of tramadol in various upper abdominal surgeries. The study was carried out in 50 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II of either sex, aged between 20 to 60 years, divided into two groups of 25 patients each. Group P (placebo group) received oral placebo capsule (3 placebo capsule) and Group G (study group) received oral gabapentine capsule (1200 mg) (3 capsules of 400 mg each) pre-operatively 2 hrs before surgery. Patients were observed 24 hrs postoperatively for pain via visual analog scale (VAS), tramadol requirement (consumption) and side effects. Results: It was observed that patients in gabapentine group had statistically significant lower pain score at all time interval in comparison to placebo group. It was demonstrated that pre-emptive oral gabapentine significantly reduced tramadol consumption until 24 hrs post-operatively. Mild sedation was observed in gabapentine group but was comparable with Group P. Conclusion: Gabapentine significantly reduces post-operative pain and post-operative tramadol consumption in upper abdominal surgeries. Mild sedation was observed with gabapentine group but was comparable with placebo.