A randomized controlled study on prevention of succinylcholine induced fasciculation and myalgia by pretreatment with pregabalin in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Fasciculation and myalgia are the two most common and distressing side effects of succinylcholine administration. Many drugs have been tried to prevent or reduce this unpleasant happening with variable success. In this comparative study, we evaluated the preventive effect of pregabalin on the occurrence of succinylcholine induced fasciculation and myalgia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methodology: This, randomized controlled trial, was done in operating rooms of a teaching hospital over a period of six months. 70 patients of either sex, of ASA physical status 1 & 2, electively scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were recruited for the study. Selected patients were divided into two groups with 35 patients in each group by lottery method of randomization. Study group – Group P received 150 mg of pregabalin orally two hours before anesthesia and Group C (control group) received placebo pills two hours before induction. Standard general anesthesia technique with succinylcholine as muscle relaxant at induction was used in all patients and incidence and severity of fasciculation at induction and postoperative myalgia were recorded in these patients.
Results: All the patients completed the study. Incidence of fasciculation was not significantly lower in pregabalin group (p value 0.096). However, its severity was significantly reduced in Group P as compared to Group C (1 vs. 7 patients). Incidence and severity of postoperative myalgia was quite reduced in Group P vs. Group C (p value 0.000).
Conclusion: Pretreatment with 150 mg of pregabalin two hours before anesthesia decreases the severity of succinylcholine induced fasciculation and reduces the incidence and severity of myalgia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.