We evaluated efficacy of perioperative pregabalin on incidence of chronic pain and quality of acute and chronic pain relief after breast surgery.

Sixty female patients(18-65 years), ASA 1-2 undergoing MRM were included in this prospective, double-blinded study and randomized into pregabalin and control groups(n=30 each). Pregabalin group received 75mg pregabalin night before , 2hours before surgery and 75mg BD for 5 postoperative days(POD) whereas control group received placebo at similar timings. Pain scores(NRS) were assessed at 0, 4,12, 24,36,48,72 ,96 and 120hours. Chronic pain was assessed by Brief Pain Inventory short-form at 1 and 3 months interval. Statistical analysis was performed by student’s t-test and chi-square test.

Mean dose of intraoperative fentanyl used was significantly less in pregabalin group(165ug±24.1) than in control(273.5ug±73.8 )(p=0.01). Mean static pain in pregabalin group at 12h,1st,2nd, 3rd , 4th , 5thPOD were significantly less than in control group(p<0.05). Mean dynamic pain in pregabalin group at 12h,1st ,2nd , 3rd , 4thPOD were significantly less than in the control group(p<0.05). Mean pain severity score in pregabalin group at 1 month(0.35±0.5) and 3 month(0.35±0.5) were significantly less than the control group(1.275±0.6,1.275±0.6)(p=0.003). Mean pain interference score in pregabalin group at 1 month(0.157±0.3) and 3 month(0.157±0.3) were significantly less than control group(1.629±0.6,1.614±0.6)(p=0.000). Chronic pain was present in 23% patients of pregabalin group.

Perioperative pregabalin reduces both static and dynamic pain in postoperative period and decreases the incidence, severity of chronic pain and its interference with daily activities