The efficacy of pregabalin for prevention of catheter-related bladder discomfort: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study

The present study evaluated the efficacy of preoperative pregabalin for prevention of catheter-related bladder discomfort. Prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blinded study. Sixty patients of either sex undergoing elective spine surgery and requiring urinary bladder catheterization were randomly assigned to two groups. The patients in Group P (pregabalin group) received 150 mg of pregabalin orally 1 h prior to induction of anesthesia with sips of water and the patients in Group C (control group) received placebo. Anesthesia technique was identical in both the groups. Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) was evaluated on a 4-point scale (1 = no discomfort, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe), on arrival (0 h) and again at 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively. Patients were provided patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl for postoperative pain relief. The incidence of CRBD was significantly less in the pregabalin group compared with the control group at all time intervals (P < 0.05). The severity of CRBD was reduced in the pregabalin group compared with the control group at all time intervals except 6 h. The postoperative consumption of fentanyl was significantly less in group P, while the sedation score was significantly higher in the group P compared to group C. Pretreatment with pregabalin 150 mg prevents CRBD and also decreases postoperative fentanyl consumption. Clinical Trials.gov identifier: (ref: CTRI/2013/11/004170).