BackgroundGabapentin is an anticonvulsant used for managing neuropathic pain. Its effectiveness and dosing strategies for postoperative pain, particularly in open shoulder rotator cuff repair, are still debated. This study assesses gabapentin ‘s impact on postoperative pain intensity in open rotator cuff repair. MethodsSixty eligible patients were randomly distributed into two groups: placebo and gabapentin. The gabapentin group received a daily dose of 600 mg, administered in two divided increments, beginning three days before the surgery and continuing for one week postoperatively. Pain intensity, assessed via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was the primary endpoint during the first postoperative week. Secondary aims conducted on both groups included quantifying opioid consumption, evaluation of side effects attributed to gabapentin and opioids, assessment of sleep quality, and patients’ satisfaction levels with the employed approach. ResultPostoperative pain in the gabapentin group significantly decreased from the first twenty-four hours until the fourth day post-surgery (p<0.002), accompanied by reduced opioid consumption (P=0.02). Following discharge, the prevalence of nocturnal sleep disruptions and oxycodone consumption in the gabapentin group notably decreased compared to the placebo group, alongside a significant improvement in sleep quality and duration until the fifth day, as well as overall satisfaction with the pain management approach seen within the gabapentin group (P=0.003). ConclusionAdministering gabapentin perioperatively at 600 mg daily and divided over a minimum duration of four days postoperatively may significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid consumption in open shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery patients.
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