Does pregabalin effectively and safely relieve postoperative pain in patients undergoing pulmonary resections?

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether pregabalin could effectively and safely reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing pulmonary resections. Altogether 23 papers were found using the reported search, of which 6 randomized controlled trials represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Five of 6 randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the application of oral pregabalin during the perioperative period could effectively reduce postoperative pain after pulmonary resections without compromising patients' safety. One randomized controlled trial reported no difference in the postoperative pain levels between the pregabalin group and the control group. The rates of adverse effects were generally found to be decreased in patients who received pregabalin compared to the patients who received routine analgesia, although 2 studies reported significantly higher incidences of mild drowsiness and dizziness among the pregabalin-treated patients. Currently available evidence supports that the perioperative administration of pregabalin can effectively and safely relieve postoperative pain for patients undergoing pulmonary resections.