5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  A randomized trial of nearly 1,200 patients found gabapentin did not reduce hospital stay or opioid use after major surgery.

• 2

  The trial showed no improvement in pain and quality of life for patients receiving gabapentin compared to placebo.

• 3

  Gabapentin was administered preoperatively and for two postoperative days, but effects on pain and opioid use were short-lived.

• 4

  At 4 weeks and 4 months, more patients in the gabapentin group reported ongoing pain compared to those on placebo.

• 5

  The study was supported by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research and had limitations regarding patient selection and dosing.