A recent study compared the effect of pregabalin in reducing neuropathic pain in postoperative patients who have undergone a single-level microdiscectomy for a prolapsed intervertebral lumbar disc.

A randomized control clinical trial was conducted from June 2018 to April 2020 that included 84 patients who underwent either emergency or elective microdiscectomy surgery. The patients were randomized into two equal groups, (group-A: pregabalin) and (group-B: placebo). Both groups also received routine analgesia. The intervention group received pregabalin administration at preoperative and postoperative defined times. The pain scores were documented by visual analog scale (VAS) and Roland-Morris score system on a preoperative day and compared to the scores on follow-up on a postoperative day 7.

The results showed the pain scores to be significantly better in group-A compared to group B with similar baseline variables. The mean VAS scores of pains in group-A on a postoperative day 7 on follow-up were compared to VAS pain scores in group B demonstrated better pain control. The Roland-Morris scores were also remarkably better for group-A.

Thus, the use of pregabalin along with routine analgesia has better control of postoperative neuropathic pain in patients with single-level microdiscectomy than the patients who receive only routine analgesia. Further, it is important to consider other factors like cost, dose, side effects, and frequency.

Baloch S R, Hashmi I A, Rafi M S, et al. Role of Pregabalin to Decrease Postoperative Pain in Microdiscectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Cureus. 2021;13(1): e12870. doi:10.7759/cureus.12870