Efficacy of gabapentin for prevention of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 600 mg and 1200 mg oral gabapentin pretreatment for the prevention of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) in patients undergoing catheterization after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred adult patients undergoing elective TURBT under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group I patients received placebo, group II patients received 600 mg gabapentin, and group III patients received 1200 mg gabapentin 1 hour before surgery. Lumber subarachnoid block was administered with 2.5 mL 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. The patients were observed for the incidence and severity of CRBD in the postoperative period.

RESULTS: The incidence of CRBD was 90% in group I, 66% in group II, and 26% in group III. The incidence of bladder discomfort was significantly low in group III at all time points compared with group I and at 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours compared with group II. The severity of CRBD was also less in group II and III patients compared with group I. Fifteen patients in group I developed moderate discomfort, whereas 1 patient in group II and none in group III. None of the patient receiving gabapentin had severe discomfort. The duration and level of sensory and motor block was comparable among groups. One patient in group II and 2 patients in group III were complained of dizziness in postoperative period.

CONCLUSION: Gabapentin 1200 mg administered before surgery is more effective than gabapentin 600 mg in decreasing the incidence of postoperative CRBD.