Effect of gabapentin on opioid requirements in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.

Original Article

Abstract

Objective: To find the effect of gabapentin on opioid requirement in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy.

Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at MTI Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from June 2025 to December 2025. We included 108 individuals admitted to KTH for hysterectomy. We divided participants equally into group A and group B. Two hours before surgery, group A received 1200 milligrams of gabapentin orally, and group B received oral placebo capsules. Before surgery, each subject was provided the visual analog scale and trained on how to assess their level of pain. Supplemental opioids (nalbuphine) were required both before and after surgery were recorded. We also recorded individual age and weight. Both groups were given the same anesthetic technique. All patients received general anesthesia. We used the VAS score (1–10) to assess pain at 02, 08, 16, and 24 hours after surgery. We analyzed the data using SPSS version 16.

Results: A total of 108 patients participated in this study. We divided participants equally (54 in each group) into group A and group B. Gabapentin significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid requirements. VAS scores decreased from 5.88±1.36 to 0.94±0.72 at 24 hours, while nalbuphine use was 12.20±4.68 mg versus 23.30±9.27 mg in the control group.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that gabapentin significantly reduces both intraoperative and postoperative pain. Furthermore, it also reduces opioid needs in patients undergoing TAH.