Gabapentinoids as a part of multi-modal drug regime for pain relief following laproscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gabapentinoids have been used as preemptive analgesics for pain management following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Recently, multimodal analgesic techniques have been found superior to preemptive analgesia alone. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare a single preoperative dose of pregabalin 150 mg and gabapentin 300 mg for pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a part of multimodal drug regime. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This randomized, single-blind study was conducted after Ethical Committee approval and written informed consent from the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: intravenous (IV) along with injection voveran 75 mg IV and port site infiltration was used. Postoperatively, injection diclofenac 75 mg intramuscular TDS was continued. Severity of postoperative pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), postoperative fentanyl requirement and incidence, and severity of side effects were assessed. When VAS >40 mm or on patient's request, a Fentanyl bolus at an increment of 25-50 μg IV was given as rescue analgesia. RESULTS: = 0.015). No side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a single preoperative dose of pregabalin (150 mg) or gabapentin (300 mg) are equally efficacious in providing pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a part of multimodal regime without any side effects.