Effect of Oral Gabapentin As Pre-Emptive Analgesia in Total Abdominal Hysterectomy- A Randomised Prospective Placebo Controlled Study

The postoperative period is an integral part of the surgical experience of the patient. Post-operative pain affects recovery from anaesthesia and surgery. Pre-emptive use of gabapentin speeds up recovery by decreasing post-operative pain.The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of oral gabapentin on post-operative pain scores, the request time for first analgesia and the total fentanyl requirement in 12 hours in patient undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under epidural anaesthesia.: Eighty four patient of ASA grade I and II aged 40 to 60 years, scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy under epidural anaesthesia were included in the study. Each patient was assigned into two groups (Gabapentin group, group G or Placebo group, group P) of 42 each. Participants in the study were administered 2 capsules (either gabapentin or placebo) one hour before surgery with sips of water. 15ml of Ropivacaine 0.75% was administered into epidural space through 20 gauge epidural catheter. Pain was evaluated post-operatively using visual analogue scale (VAS). Inj. Fentanyl 30 mcg was administered through epidural catheter as rescue analgesia when patients complained of pain.: It was observed that Pain scores were notably lesser in group G as compared to group P at all time points (P<0.05). The first analgesic request time in the control group was significantly less compared to the study group (P<0.001). The amount of fentanyl required in the control group was more compared to study group (P<0.001).: We conclude that the pre-emptive administration of oral gabapentin 600mg significantly reduces pain scores, prolongs the time at which patient requires rescue analgesia and the amount of fentanyl needed was significantly reduced.