Gabapentin for Perioperative Analgesia in Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

Overall, gabapentin appears to have a significant beneficial effect on perioperative pain relief and analgesic consumption in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery procedures within the first 24 hours.

Perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery: an evidence‐based review

“…Gabapentin has been studied extensively in otolaryngology, with the present evidence‐based review reinforcing its value as an option. A systematic review of gabapentin for perioperative analgesia for otolaryngologic procedures noted an overall significant beneficial impact both on pain scores and a reduced need for other analgesics, particularly within the first 24 hours after surgery . Clinical benefits were seen in all studies included in the present analysis.…”

Opioid prescribing practices in patients undergoing surgery for oral cavity cancer

“…Although evidence specific to head and neck cancer surgery is minimal, a meta-analysis of gabapentin use in a variety of head and neck surgeries found significant reduction in postoperative pain and opioid use. 33 The results of this study are not without limitations, and our findings should be interpreted with caution given the relatively small sample size. In essence, we attempted to retrospectively deduce how providers may have decided which patients required more pain medication.…”

“…These agents have been shown to both reduce postoperative pain scores and opioid requirements. Although evidence specific to head and neck cancer surgery is minimal, a meta‐analysis of gabapentin use in a variety of head and neck surgeries found significant reduction in postoperative pain and opioid use …”

Impact of intraoperative remifentanil on postoperative pain and opioid use in thyroid surgery

“…Considering the excellent prognosis of thyroid cancer, long‐term disability related to opioid use reported in up to 5% of patients is a significant concern. Limiting perioperative opioid consumption with adjunctive dexmedetomidine and gabapentin are two promising approaches.…”