The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of oral pregabalin 150 mg as premedication reduces the amount and degree of postoperative pain.

Furthermore the purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of oral pregabalin 150 mg as premedication reduces anxiety prior to anaesthesia in these patients.

The mechanism of development of postoperative pain is complex. Central and peripheral sensitization are playing an important role and this can lead to postoperative hypersensitization. Several studies have shown, that gabapentin can be effective to reduce sensitization and postoperative pain. Pregabalin (S-aminomethyl-5-methylhexaninacid) is a further development of gabapentin. Pregabalin has a fewer side-effects compared with gabapentin.

The purpose of this study is to compare the analgetic and anxiolytic effect of pregabalin and placebo used as premedication.

The hypothesis is that a single-dose pregabalin (150 mg postoperatively (p.o.)) gives significant better anxiolysis and analgesia than placebo.

The study is including patients undergoing surgery of the vertebral columna.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of disc prolapse
• Age 18+
• ASA (American Association in Anesthesiology) I-III
• written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18
• ASA > III
• liver failure
• renal failure
• allergic reaction against gabapentin and/or pregabalin
• pregnancy