Postoperative pain is the dominating complaint and the primary reason for prolonged convalescence after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We have evaluated the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of pregabalin for attenuating postoperative pain and fentanyl consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Sixty adults (16–60 yr), ASA physical status I and II, of either sex undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this prospective, randomized placebo controlled, double-blind study. Subjects were divided into two groups of 30 each to receive either a matching placebo or pregabalin 150 mg, administered orally 1 h before surgery. Postoperative pain (static and dynamic) was assessed by a 100 mm visual analogue scale, where 0, no pain; 100, worst imaginable pain. Subjects received patient-controlled i.v. fentanyl analgesia during the postoperative period. Results were analysed by Student's t-test, χ² test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Fisher's exact test.

Postoperative pain (static and dynamic) and postoperative patient-controlled fentanyl consumption were reduced in the pregabalin group compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). Side-effects were similar in both groups.

A single preoperative oral dose of pregabalin 150 mg is an effective method for reducing postoperative pain and fentanyl consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.