Analgesic effects of gabapentine in tonsillectomy

Objectives: To evaluate the preemptive effects of gabapentin on postoperative pain relief and its effect on meperidine consumption in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods: This study took place in King Abdulaziz Naval Base Hospital in the year 2009. Sixty patients ASA I and II were randomly assigned in a prospective randomized double- blind placebo-control clinical trial. Gabapentine 1200 mg or placebo was given orally two hours before induction of anesthesia to patients undergoing tonsillectomy under general anesthesia. Postoperative pain score was recorded on a visual analogue scale at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 postoperative hours. Patients received meperidine 1 mg/ kg i.m once every 4 h if pain score 3 or if requested by the patient. Total dose of meperidine consumption was recorded. Results: Thirty patients in the gabapentine group and 30 patients in the placebo group completed the study. Patients in gabapentine group had significantly lower pain score in comparison to placebo group. Total postoperative meperidine consumption in the gabapentin group was (48.8±33.9 VS 93.8 ± 54.6) in the placebo group (P< 0.001). There was higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, and use of antiemetic drugs in the placebo group. Conclusion: Preemptive use of gabapentine decreased pain score and post operative meperidine consumption and reduced meperidine -related adverse effects in patients undergoing tonsillectomy under general anesthesia.