Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to determine the efficacy and safety of the preoperative use of gabapentin for the treatment of acute and chronic postoperative pain following breast cancer surgery.
Methods: In November 2017, a systematic computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google databases. RCTs comparing gabapentin with placebo in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were retrieved. The primary endpoint was the visual analog scale (VAS) after surgery and 24 hours after surgery and total morphine consumption. The secondary outcomes were incidence of chronic pain and complications (the incidence of nausea). Software Stata 12.0 was used for meta-analysis.
Results: Finally, 9 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Results indicated that gabapentin was associated with reduced pain scores after surgery and 24 hours after surgery. Meanwhile, oral gabapentin was associated with a reduction of the total morphine consumption after breast cancer surgery. Similarly, gabapentin was associated with a reduction in the incidence of chronic pain and the incidence of nausea.
Conclusions: Preoperative use of gabapentin was able to reduce acute and chronic postoperative pain, total morphine consumption and the occurrence of nausea following breast cancer surgery. Further studies should determine the optimal dose of gabapentin for pain control after breast cancer surgery.