Effect of Gabapentin on Sedation and Same-Day Discharge in Gynecologic Laparoscopy

Abstract

Objective:

The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to compare sedation scores, based on preoperative gabapentin dose, among patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic gynecologic procedures. Pain scores and length of hospital stays were also analyzed.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 91 patients having gynecologic laparoscopy with a single surgeon between May 2020 and March 2021 were included. Dosages of preoperative gabapentin were sequentially decreased from 600 mg to 300 mg to 0 mg (no gabapentin) during the study. Outcomes included sedation, based on Aldrete score and Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale score, and pain, based on a numerical rating scale, during the initial recovery time in the postoperative care unit (PACU). Rates of same-day discharge and length of hospital stays were tracked. The sample size was calculated to detect a 1-point difference in Aldrete scores.

Results:

There were no differences among the groups in age, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists' score, operating time, and morphine equivalents or benzodiazepine (midazolam) use. No differences in sedation scores or pain scores were seen. Rates of same-day discharge differed significantly, with 89% of patients receiving 0 mg of gabapentin discharged on the same day as surgery, compared to 81% and 59% of patients in the 300-mg and 600-mg groups, respectively. Total length of hospital stay did not differ among the groups.

Conclusions:

No differences were identified in sedation or pain scores based on preoperative gabapentin dose. The percentage of same-day discharge was higher with lower doses of gabapentin. (J GYNECOL SURG 20XX:000)