Journal of Anesthesiology and Pain

Aim and Background : Postoperative acute pain management is necessary to prevent chronic pain. Pregabalin as a GABA analogue has been shown to have analgesic effects on postoperative pain. It has minimal side effects and is absorbed rapidly from the alimentary tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of single dose oral pregabalin on postoperative pain control after orthopedic surgeries performed under spinal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods : Sixty patients, candidate for orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia, were randomly allocated into two groups. For the intervention group 150 mg oral Pregabalin and for the control group placebo were prescribed one hour before surgery. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment and opioid consumption were evaluated in a 12 hour period after surgery. If pain score (VAS) was more than four, intravenous pethidine (0/5 mg/kg) was administered.

Findings : No significant difference was found between the two groups, regarding demographic data. VAS in the post anesthesia care unit, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively in the pregabalin group was significantly less than the placebo group(p <0.05). Also pethidine consumption in the pregabalin group was significantly less than the placebo group (p=0.001 . )

Conclusions: Administration of a single dose pregabalin orally (150 mg), one hour before orthopedic surgery reduced post operative pain and opioid consumption.