Background & Aims:
Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a common procedure with significant postoperative pain. Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) is associated with reduced postoperative opioid use. Pregabalin has been shown to reduce pain and opioid consumption in multiple surgical procedures. Our aim was to examine whether pain treatment with Pregabalin similarly control pain and reduce opioids consumption after RCR surgery.
Methods:
§ 79 patients undergoing RCR surgery were randomized to either Pregabalin administration (Pregabalin group, 75mg the evening before and 150 mg one hour, 12 and 24h after surgery) versus ISBPB (Block group). IV PCA was administered for both groups during 24h. Strong and weak opioids were given for supplementation during 24h and until POD-10. Primary outcome was daily self-report pain score till POD-10. Secondary outcomes: Postoperative opioid consumption; Postoperative adverse events; Opioid-related symptoms distress scale; Quality of recovery following 24h; Pain satisfaction score (24h postoperative, POD-2 and POD-10).
Results:
§ Twenty patients were excluded in the final analysis due to technical problems. Among the 59 randomized patients we found significantly higher pain scores one hour after surgery in the Pregabalin group (n=29) vs. the Block group (n=30) with no significant differences in pain scores later on 24h till POD-10. On POD-1 opioid consumption was significantly higher in the Pregabalin group. All other parameters including satisfaction score were not significantly different among the groups.
Conclusion:
§ Our findings demonstrate the superiority of block in the first hour following surgery with respect to pain relief and opioid consumption in the first 24h.

PAIN RELIEF FOLLOWING ARTHROSCOPIC ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR: PERIOPERATIVE PREGABALIN ADMINISTRATION VS. INTERSCALENE BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK. PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, UNBLINDED SINGLE CENTER TRIAL.