Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of gabapentin, which has peripheral and central antinociceptive action in neuropathic and inflammatory pain that starts with surgical incision, to that of placebo regarding the effects on tramadol consumption, tracheal extubation time, visual pain score and adverse events.

Material and Methods:

Forty patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumor resection were randomly assigned into two groups. In group K (n=20) one placebo capsule and Group G 600 mg gabapentin (n=20) were administered one hour before surgery. All patients received standard anesthesia regimens.Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), total remifentanil consumption of the patients were evaluated and recorded per 30 minutes in perioperative period. Before the end of operation 1 mg/kg PCA was started with loading dose and patients were taken to recovery room after obtaining response to verbal stimulus. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol with a 25 mg initial loading dose and 30- min lockout interval. Tramadol consumption, VAS score and side effects were recorded at 1., 2., 3., 6., 12. and 24. hours after the operation.

Results:

Postoperative total tramadol consumption was 271.0±59.8 mg in group K and 218.7±71.1 mg in Group G. Tramadol consumption in group K was significantly higher than Group G. Patients in the gabapentin group had significantly lower pain scores at all time intervals in comparison to placebo group. Intraoperative total remifentanil consumption was significantly lower in group G than in Group K. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was less frequent in group G compared with group K.

Conclusion:

The administration of gabapentin to patients undergoing supratentorial tumor resection was effective for acute postoperative pain. It also decreased analgesic consumption after surgery.

Keywords: preemptive analgesia, gabapentin, postoperative pain, patient controlled analgesia