Possibility of pre-emptive analgesia with gabapentin for laparoscopic surgeries in gynecologic oncology

Aim. To study the effect of gabapentin on females in laparoscopic surgery in gynecology.

Methods. The study included 2 groups of patients aged 25 to 75 years admitted for scheduled laparoscopic hysterectomy. A total number of patients was 161. Distribution between the groups was carried out based on the use of pre-emptive analgesia with gabapentin before surgery at a dose of 600 mg orally.

Results. In both groups absence of predisposition to neuropathic pain in females scheduled for hysterectomy due to benign diseases was revealed. Significant difference between the groups in pain intensity after 24 hours after the surgery and development of adverse opioid-caused events such as light sedation, nausea and vomiting due to inhibitory effect of gabapentin on trigger areas of the brain were revealed. There is also marked difference in the need for opioid analgesics at stages of surgical treatment.

Conclusion. Use of gabapentin prior to surgery decreased the level of reactive anxiety and stress response to surgery by 44.8%, which reduced the need for opioid analgesics in intra- and postoperative periods; in the group of females who received gabapentin, postoperative nausea and vomiting were less prominant by 33%.