Optimal dose of pre-incision/post-incision gabapentin for pain relief following lumbar laminectomy: a randomized study

• Published in: Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2011-03, Vol.55 (3), p.306-312
• Main Authors: KHAN, Z. H., RAHIMI, M., MAKAREM, J., KHAN, R. H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Amines - adverse effects; Amines - therapeutic use; Analgesics - therapeutic use; Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids - adverse effects; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids - therapeutic use; Double-Blind Method; Female; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - adverse effects; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - therapeutic use; Humans; Laminectomy; Lumbar Vertebrae - surgery; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0001-5172; 1399-6576
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2010.02377.x

Background: Gabapentin has been introduced as an effective agent for post‐operative pain control. This study aimed to test the effects of pre‐ and post‐incision administration of different doses of gabapentin on post‐operative morphine requirement and pain following lumbar laminectomy. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 175 patients were allocated into seven groups of 25 patients each to receive placebo or gabapentin 600, 900 or 1200 mg pre‐ or post‐incision. Total patient‐controlled intravenous morphine consumption during the first 24 post‐operative hours, and the time to the first demand for morphine were recorded. Pain score at rest (visual analogue scale) was recorded every 30 min in the first 4 h and then every 2 h until 24 h post‐operatively. Side‐effects were observed. Results: In the first 12 h, morphine consumption was less, pain scores were lower and the time to the first demand for analgesia was longer in groups receiving gabapentin 900 or 1200 mg either pre‐ or post‐incision, compared with placebo and gabapentin 600 mg (P