ABSTRACT
Post-operative pain is one of the major problem in laparoscopic surgeries, wherein lack of control on it has many side-effects such as tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, decreased alveolar ventilation, and prolong hospital stay.We have evaluated the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of Pregabalin for attenuating postoperative pain and diclofenac consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Eighty adults (18–70 yr), ASA risk I and II, of either sex undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this prospective, randomized placebo controlled, double-blind study. Subjects were divided into two groups of 40 each to receive either a matching placebo or Pregabalin 150 mg, administered orally 1 h before surgery. Post-operative pain was assessed at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours period post operatively Postoperative pain (static and dynamic) was assessed by a 10 cm visual analogue scale, where 0, no pain; 10, worst imaginable pain. Post-Operative Nausea Vomiting (PONV) score along with hemodynamic variables (Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate) were also observed post operatively. Subjects received i.v. diclofenac analgesia during the postoperative period if VAS score more than 4. Data analysis was done using Epi Info 7.0 software Results were analysed by Anova test. Postoperative pain and postoperative diclofenac consumption were reduced in the Pregabalin group compared with the Placebo group (P<0.05). Side-effects were similar in both groups. A single preoperative oral dose of Pregabalin 150 mg is an effective method for reducing postoperative pain and diclofenac consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Key words: Visual analogue scale, Pregabalin, Analgesia, nonopioid, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.