Perioperative Anxiolytic and Analgesic Effects of Pregabalin in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery: A Randomized, Double-blind Study

OBJECTIVES: This study was done to examine the effect of a single, one-time pregabalin dose on postoperative pain, anxiety, and analgesic consumption after vitrectomy performed under the peribulbar block and to assess the satisfaction of the patients as well as the surgeons. METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at Magrabi Eye, ENT and Dental Center, Doha, Qatar on 58 adult patients aged 37 - 75 years, who met status I and II of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and scheduled for elective vitrectomy, under the peribulbar block (PB). Of the total participants, 30 cases were randomized to receive pregabalin, while the remaining received placebo 90 minutes before surgery. Pain was assessed using a Verbal Analog Scale (VAS) score, and the levels of anxiety were gauged by verbal anxiety score. RESULTS: Patients who received pregabalin had a significantly higher sedation score (3 ± 0 vs. & 2 ± 0.65; P < 0.05), and a significantly less anxiety score (3 ± 1.3 vs. 5 ± 1.6; P < 0.001) compared to the control group. During needle insertion for PB, patients in the pregabalin group experienced less pain compared to the control group (32 ± 15 vs. 44 ± 15; P < 0.05). Pregabalin group showed a significantly higher cooperation rate and patient satisfaction scores (3.2 ± 0.7 and 3.8 ± 0.4, respectively), compared to the placebo group (2.8 ± 0.7 and 3.4 ± 0.5, respectively). The placebo group required intraoperative midazolam more in comparison to the pregabalin group (19 vs. 5; P < 0.001). Moreover, the need for postoperative analgesia was more in the placebo group two hours postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin is a potent premedication in controlling post-surgical pain and anxiety in patients undergoing vitrectomy under the PB.