Kim, S.Y., Song, J.W., Park, B., Park, S., An, Y.J., & Shim, Y.H. (2011). Pregabalin reduces post-operative pain after mastectomy: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 55(3), 290–296.
To investigate the safety and effectiveness of pregabalin for reducing postoperative pain in patients who have undergone mastectomy
Patients were randomly assigned to receive either pregabalin or placebo at 1 hour before surgery and at 12 hours after the initial dose. All patients received the same anesthesia and all received 100 mg aceclofenac twice a day the day after surgery. Assessment of pain and for adverse effects was done at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. If a patient’s pain intensity was 5 or greater or if the patient requested analgesia, additional pain medication was provided. After discharge from the hospital, at one week and one month postoperatively, patients were contacted by phone for pain scoring.
Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study
Perioperative pregabalin may improve postoperative pain control in patients who have undergone mastectomy.
Perioperative administration of pregabalin may be helpful in the management of postoperative pain. This study does not establish the most effective timing of administration. Nurses should be aware of the common side effects of pregabalin (dizziness and sedation), which other studies have established. These side effects may complicate postanesthesia assessment.