Pregabalin as a preoperative adjuvant in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pregabalins adjuvant effect in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgically treated, analyzing postoperative pain and the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). METHODS: Outpatient surgical candidates with CTS were selected and followed for 12 months, divided into three groups. The Control Group received a placebo, the Pregabalin 75mg Group received a daily dose, and the Pregabalin 150mg Group received a daily dose of the medication. Patient progress was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the DN4 neuropathic pain score before surgery, one month and three months after. RESULTS: The administration of pregabalin to surgical patients with CTS did not demonstrate significant differences in immediate postoperative pain relief. Additionally, there were no statistically significant variations in the incidence of complications, such as CRPS, among the groups. CONCLUSION: This study did not show a significant impact of pregabalin on postoperative pain relief or the reduction of CRPS incidence in patients undergoing surgery for CTS. These results suggest that pregabalin might not be an effective adjuvant in these surgical situations.