The combined analgesic effect of gabapentin and transdermal fentanyl patch on acute and chronic pain after maxillary cancer surgeries

Abstract

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined analgesic effect of gabapentin and transdermal fentanyl patch, on acute and chronic pain after surgery for maxillary cancer.

Study design

The Study was double blind and prospective. 100 subjects belonging to ASA grade I and II, 30–50 years age group, scheduled for maxillary cancer surgery were randomized into two groups; treatment group (GT): to receive gabapentin, transdermal fentanyl patch or control group ©: two placebos. For acute postoperative pain (Visual Analogue Score) and analgesic requirements were assessed 2, 4, 8 hours and 7 days after surgery. Subjects were also assessed for chronic pain 2, 4, 6 months later.

Results

Subjects in treatment group required lesser dose of analgesic, as compared to control group, in the post operative period. Visual Analogue Scores were also significantly lower in the treatment group throughout the post operative period. Occurrence of side effects was non significant between both groups. 2, 4 and 6 months after surgery, 40, 35 and 28 subjects respectively, out of total 45 subjects of the control group, reported chronic pain. In comparison, 25, 10 and 4 subjects out of 42 subjects in the treatment group reported chronic pain 2, 4, 6 months respectively after surgery. 15, 10 and 6 out of 45 of the control group required analgesics, whereas 2, 0 and 0 out of 42 in the treatment group, required analgesics respectively 2, 4 and 6 months after surgery

Conclusion

Acute and chronic pain after maxillary cancer surgery is significantly reduced by multimodal analgesia.