The Effect of Gabapentin on Post-Cesarean Section Pain in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia

Alireza  Sharifian Attar; Afsaneh  Attari Jahed; Mahdieh Jafari; Ali Moradi

doi:10.18502/aacc.v12i3.21307

Alireza Sharifian Attar Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Afsaneh Attari Jahed Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Mahdieh Jafari Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Ali Moradi Clinical Research Development Unit, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v12i3.21307

Keywords: Local anesthetic resistance; Scorpion sting; Failed block; Inadequate block

Abstract

Background: Caesarean section is associated with postoperative pain that results in patient dissatisfaction and necessitates the use of various analgesics. In this study, the effect of gabapentin on post-Caesarean-section pain relief was evaluated.

Methods: A total of 50 parturients undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean section were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups in this randomized clinical trial between 2022 and 2023. Patients in the case group received gabapentin 300 mg capsules one hour before surgery, while the control group received an identical placebo. The postoperative pain intensity and need for analgesics, as well as nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, were evaluated at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.

Results: The mean age of patients in the gabapentin and placebo groups was 26.42±6.15 and 26.5±65.91, respectively (P=0.34). A significant difference was found in postoperative pain intensity and the need for analgesics between the case and control groups at zero (P=0.001 and P=0.003), six (P=0.007 and P=0.002), 12 (P=0.005 and P=0.001), and 24 (P=0.004 and P=0.021) hours after surgery. No significant differences were seen in the rates of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness between the two groups at the different time points (P>0.05).

Conclusion: According to our findings, prescribing gabapentin 300mg before a cesarean section effectively reduces postoperative pain severity and the need for analgesics. This dose is also safe for the neonate.