Assessment Of Safety And Efficacy Of Gabapentin For Postoperative Analgesia After Surface Ablation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Postoperative pain remains a significant challenge after advanced surface ablation (ASA) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Gabapentin, with its multimodal analgesic properties, has emerged as a promising option for postoperative pain management.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of oral gabapentin compared to oral diclofenac potassium for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing surface ablation procedures.

Refractive surgery Department

Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Egypt

This prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial included 58 patients (116 eyes) aged 21–37 years (mean 23 ± 4.62 years). Patients were randomized into two groups: Gabapentin group (n=29, receiving 300 mg three times daily) and Diclofenac group (n=29, receiving 50 mg three times daily) for 7 days postoperatively. Pain intensity was assessed daily using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from day 1 to day 7 post-op.

The Gabapentin group demonstrated significantly lower mean pain scores compared to the Diclofenac group across all postoperative days (Day 1: 6.2 ± 0.9 vs. 7.1 ± 0.8; Day 7: 0.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.9; p<0.05). Pain relief was faster and more pronounced in the gabapentin group, with complete pain resolution by day 6–7.

Oral gabapentin provides superior postoperative analgesia compared to

diclofenac following surface ablation procedures, with favorable safety profile