A Comparative Study of Effect of Gabapentin and Clonidine on Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed by German doctor Dr. Med Erich Muhe in 1985, can cause anxiety and postoperative pain. Postoperative pain management is crucial, with analgesics like melatonin, gabapentin, and clonidine being effective. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, and clonidine, have shown potential as pain relievers, but caution should be exercised for complex seizures and early symptoms. Aim: The study evaluates the efficacy of oral Gabapentin and Clonidine in postoperative pain relief in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients, considering factors like time to first rescue analgesia request, hemodynamic variations, and adverse effects. Results: A study comparing oral gabapentin and clonidine in treating post-operative pain in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients found both effective. The study divided 100 patients into two groups, with females more common. Hemodynamic parameters were analyzed, showing no significant difference between the groups. The study found that clonidine experienced higher pain scores, while gabapentin experienced a greater reduction. The time it took for both groups to reach the first analgesic dosage was also significant. Side effects were comparable. Discussion: A study comparing the efficacy of oral gabapentin and clonidine in postoperative pain relief in individuals undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy found that gabapentin was more effective than clonidine. The study involved 100 patients, divided into two groups: Group A received 600mg of gabapentin and Group B received 4mcg/kg of clonidine two hours prior to surgery. Both groups experienced a drop in mean SBP after 50 minutes of anesthesia, a rise in mean diastolic blood pressure, MAP, and heart rate after 60 minutes, and comparable hemodynamic variables. The study’s limitations include the absence of perioperative monitoring of stress mediators, exclusion of the elderly population, and subjective post-operative pain. Conclusion: Both clonidine and gabapentin maintain analgesia during surgery, but gabapentin is more effective and doesn’t cause adverse effects, requiring further large-scale trials for better understanding.