DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i09.016

Pages: 909-911

Postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery is common and can evolve into chronic pain. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant with analgesic properties, could reduce these pains. Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center trial including 60 patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Two groups: gabapentin 600 mg orally 2 hours before surgery (G) or placebo (P). Primary endpoint: VAS at rest and during coughing. Secondary endpoints: analgesic consumption, time to first request, adverse effects, chronic pain at 3 and 6 months. Results: Postoperative VAS scores did not differ significantly between G and P. Morphine use was lower in G (33.3% vs 56.7%, p=0.069) with a lower average dose (3.29 ± 1.7 mg vs 6.71 ± 3.73 mg, p=0.144). Chronic pain was significantly reduced at 3 months (20% vs 63.3%, p=0.001) and at 6 months (10% vs 43.3%, p=0.004) in G. Early nausea was more frequent in G at H1 (p=0.015). Conclusion: A single preoperative dose of gabapentin does not significantly improve acute pain but reduces the incidence of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery.