Objectives:  This study was designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of pregabalin and gabapentin for attenuating postoperative pain and analgesic consumption after abdominal hysterectomy. 

Methods: 90 patients of ASA grade I or II were randomly allocated to three groups, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in Group A were given Pregabalin 300mg, Group B were given Gabapentin 900mg and Group C patients received placebo 1 hour prior to surgery. Postoperative pain was assessed by a 100mm visual analogue scale.

Results: Postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic consumption was reduced in the pregabalin and gabapentin group compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). 

Conclusion: A single preoperative oral dose of Pregabalin 300 mg and Gabapentin 900mg is an effective method for reducing postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy. Pregabalin is a better pre-emptive analgesic as compared to Gabapentin for decreasing post-operative analgesic consumption.

Keywords: postoperative pain, pregabalin and gabapentin, abdominal hysterectomy, preoperative dose.

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Dr Arshid Ahmad Sofi

Senior Resident, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care, Govt. Medical College, Srinagar, India