Effect of gabapentin pretreatment on propofol consumption, hemodynamic variables, and postoperative pain relief in breast cancer surgery

Study objectiveGabapentin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. This prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gabapentin on intraoperative propofol requirements, hemodynamic variables, and postoperative pain relief in breast cancer patients.Materials and methodsForty adult females of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I-II physical status, undergoing total mastectomy for breast cancer were included. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Two hours prior to surgery the gabapentin group received gabapentin 600 mg and the control group received placebo. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous fentanyl, propofol, and vecuronium, and maintained with propofol infusion titrated according to the bispectral index. Postoperative analgesia was provided with intramuscular diclofenac sodium and intravenous morphine on demand.ResultsThe intraoperative propofol consumption was significantly less in the gabapentin group as compared with the control group (p = 0.009), whereas there was no difference in fentanyl and vecuronium requirements. Patients in the gabapentin group had lower pain scores at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours postoperatively (p < 0.001). The postoperative morphine consumption was also less in the gabapentin group compared with the control group (p = 0.006). No significant adverse effects were noticeable.ConclusionPreoperative administration of gabapentin reduced intraoperative propofol requirements and postoperative analgesic consumption in breast cancer patients undergoing total mastectomy.