European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EFFECTS OF PREOPERATIVE PREGABALIN ON OUTCOME OF SPINAL ANAESTHESIA FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING OPEN MYOMECTOMY

Evaristus Chinonye Ezema*, Obioma Onah Ezema, Emmanuel Nebuwa, Ifeatu Ogochukwu Oranusi, Okafor Chigozie Geofrey, Chukwuemeka Okoro, Okam Princeston Chukwuemeka and David Chibututu Nwobu

ABSTRACT

Background: Preoperative oral administration of pregabalin has been reported to significantly reduce immediate postoperative pain and reduce opioid consumption. However, there are some reported cases of very prolonged duration of spinal anaesthesia beyond the surgery period. Objectives: To evaluate the possible prolongation of spinal anaesthesia; delayed ambulation; balance and gait abnormality and other side effects of preoperative single oral pregabalin for myomectomies during the first 24 hours after the surgery. Methodology: A prospective, randomized and double-blinded study was designed. Seventy-two women scheduled for myomectomy were randomly allocated to 2 groups (A and B). Group A received orally 150 mg pregabalin 1 hour before surgery while group B received orally placebo 1 hour before surgery. Results: The duration of sensory and motor blockades was significantly more prolonged in group A patients than in group B patients, and the pain scores at 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 14th and 24th hours postoperatively were significantly higher in group A patients than in group B patients. The total analgesics consumed within the first 24 hours postoperatively were significantly higher in group B patients than group A patients. There was significantly more delay in time to first ambulate postoperatively in group A patients than group B patients. Conclusion: A single oral dose of 150mg pregabalin administered before surgery optimized the efficacy of intrathecal bupivacaine and improved postoperative analgesia in patients that underwent open myomectomy under spinal anesthesia but delayed their postoperative ambulation.

Keywords: Ambulation, Myomectomy, Pregabalin, Spinal anaesthesia.