EFFECT OF ORAL PREGABALIN AS PRE MEDICATION IN REDUCING ACUTE POST-OPERATIVE PAIN IN HEAD AND NECK ONCOSURGICAL PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE, DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROL STUDY.

*Dr. Rajasree O., Dr. Sanjay Sahadevan and Dr. Rachel Cherian Koshy

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of oral pregabalin in decreasing acute postoperative pain and opioid requirement in head and neck oncosurgery patients. Objectives: The primary objectives were to evaluate the reduction in opioid consumption and pain score during immediate postoperative period. The incidence of sedation, nausea and vomiting as well as hemodynamic stability were documented as secondary objectives. Background: Head and Neck Cancer surgery results in considerable postoperative pain and opioids in large amounts are required to control pain postoperatively, which leads to reduction of immunity and progression of tumor. Addition of pregabalin as a premedication could reduce central sensitization, total opioid consumption and prevent development of Chronic Post Surgical Pain (CPSP). Results: The results from our study show that 150 mg Pregabalin night (HS) & 1h before surgery significantly reduces visual analogue scores(VAS) and total morphine consumption during the first 24h, postoperatively. The total morphine consumption over 24 h was significantly lower (P 0.000) in Pregabalin group with a mean +/- SD of 6.3 +/- 2.4 mg as compared to 12.2 +/- 4.9 mg in the control group. Conclusion: The results of the study confirms our hypothesis of pregabalin being an efficacious premedicant for reducing acute postoperative pain and opioid consumption in head and neck oncosurgery in the immediate postoperative period.

Keywords: Acute pain, postoperative, pregabalin, oral premedication, prospective study.