The Impact of Perioperative Gabapentin on Chronic Groin Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair
The Impact of Perioperative Gabapentin on Chronic Groin Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair
A common source of morbidity after IHR is chronic groin pain(CGP), usually defined as pain
 lasting longer than 3 months. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is also of benefit in the
 treatment of neuropathic pain. We propose a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled
 study of the effect of gabapentin on CGP after IHR. Their pain will be assessed with a visual
 analogue scale. For those reporting pain, the need for pain medication, or other treatment,
 and the effect of pain on their quality of life will be recorded.
Over 500,000 inguinal hernia repairs(IHR) are performed in the United States annually. This
 is also one of the most common operations performed on the primarily young, male Active Duty
 population. A common source of morbidity after IHR is chronic groin pain(CGP), usually
 defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. The incidence of CGP varies widely in published
 reports, but in the majority it is 25 to 30%. A major etiology of CGP is thought to be injury
 to inguinal nerves during surgery. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is also of benefit in
 the treatment of neuropathic pain. Numerous studies have shown that gabapentin can decrease
 perioperative pain in patients undergoing surgeries such as hysterectomy, cholecystectomy and
 spine surgery. Doses and medication regimens varied in these studies, One study in patients
 undergoing IHR who received a single dose of gabapentin preoperatively, showed a decrease in
 postoperative pain and in reported pain scores in the first 6 months. We propose a
 randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of the effect of gabapentin on CGP after
 IHR. Patients will be given placebo or gabapentin. Those given gabapentin, will be given 300
 mg orally three times daily for a total of six doses with the first dose given on the morning
 of surgery. Patients will be evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after
 surgery. Their pain will be assessed with a visual analogue scale. For those reporting pain,
 the need for pain medication, or other treatment, and the effect of pain on their quality of
 life will be recorded.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Male patients 18 years of age or older undergoing initial inguinal (bilateral or
 unilateral) hernia repair by any method (i.e. laparoscopic or open surgery)

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Age less than 18 years of age, recurrent hernias, emergency operations, already taking
 gabapentin, allergy to gabapentin, pre-existing chronic pain or psychiatric disorder