Comparative study of gabapentin versus pregabalin as a premedication in patients undergoing FESS under general anaesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure which is usually done under general anaesthesia. Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation may induce an intense sympathetic hemodynamic response which is dangerous in patients with comorbidities. So an effective and safe premedication drug to attenuate this response is very much necessary. Objectives: The present study was designed to compare the effects of oral gabapentin and oral pregabalin as a premedication to produce sedation and attenuate haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing FESS under general anaesthesia. Methods: This prospective, randomized study was undertaken in ENT operation theatre in a Government teaching hospital, Karnataka between July 2020 and June 2021. Group A received gabapentin 600 mg and Group B received pregabalin 150 mg orally one hour prior to induction of general anaesthesia. Results: Patients in both group A and group B were sedated after premedication but the degree of sedation achieved in group B was higher compared to group A (p <0.05). Attenuation of HR and MAP was also higher in group B compared to group A (p <0.05). Conclusion: Premedication with both oral pregabalin 150mg and oral gabapentin 600mg, given 1 hour before general anaesthesia in patients undergoing FESS produce sedation and attenuate hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation. But premedication with oral pregabalin 150 mg is more effective than oral gabapentin 600 mg in producing sedation and attenuating the hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and intubation. Keywords: gabapentin; pregabalin; FESS; anaesthesia