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Surgery Today

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01-04-2014 | Original Article

Successful management of postoperative pain with pregabalin after thoracotomy

Authors: Noriyuki Matsutani, Masafumi Kawamura

Published in: Surgery Today | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Purpose

There is no established treatment for intercostal neuralgia associated with thoracotomy. We investigated the administration of pregabalin as a new perioperative treatment, assessing its safety and efficacy for intercostal neuralgia after thoracotomy.

Methods

Thirty patients suffering pain after thoracotomy severe enough to cause insomnia were prospectively enrolled and treated with 150 mg of pregabalin. We evaluated pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS), severity of nocturnal insomnia, and adverse effects before and after pregabalin administration.

Results

We noted significant decreases in pain scores, before vs. after pregabalin administration, from 8.2 ± 1.3 to 3.4 ± 1.3 (p < 0.0001), with improvement in nocturnal insomnia in 29 out of 30 patients. Eight patients reported adverse effects, including dizziness and daytime drowsiness; however, by reducing the dose of pregabalin, these effects were minimized while pain was controlled well.

Conclusion

Pregabalin was highly effective for neuralgia associated with intercostal damage after thoracotomy.

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Title: Successful management of postoperative pain with pregabalin after thoracotomy
Authors: Noriyuki Matsutani
Masafumi Kawamura
Publication date: 01-04-2014
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Surgery Today / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0941-1291
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2813
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-013-0743-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Successful management of postoperative pain with pregabalin after thoracotomy

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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