An Evaluation of Perioperative Pregabalin for Prevention and Attenuation of Postoperative Shoulder Pain After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Postlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) frequently follows laparoscopic surgery. In this placebo-con trolled study, we evaluated the efficacy of two perioperative doses of pregabalin 300 mg 12 h apart for preventing and attenuating PLSP after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The frequency and severity of PLSP, need for postoperative rescue analgesia, and side effect profiles were assessed for 48 h postoperatively. In both groups, the overall incidence of PLSP did not differ significantly, and the pain score for PLSP, time to first rescue analgesia, and cumulative ketorolac consumption were similar at each timepoint. However, the 2-h postoperative incidence of oversedation was higher with pregabalin. (Anesth Analg 2009;109:1284-6)