Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - National Cancer Institute - Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Relief

Essentially all patients who undergo thoracotomy will suffer from acute postoperative pain and a small percentage suffer persistent pain beyond the usual course of postoperative pain; a syndrome called post-thoracotomy pain syndrome that can be difficult to treat. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effiacy and safety of peri-operative pregabalin in prevention of acute and chronic post-thoracotomy pain. Sixty ASA physical status I and II patients were scheduled for elective thoracic oncologic surgeries under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two equal groups: group Pregabalin and group Control. In Pregabalin group, pregabalin capsules (150mg ) were administered one hour before thoracotomy and 12 hours following the thoracotomy, then every 12 hours for additional 6 days. Assessment of postoperative pain for 24 hours at rest (VAS-R) and during cough or movement (dynamic) (VAS-D) after arrival in the ICU and the mean of 24 hours VAS-R and VAS-D were calculated in the next six days

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