Gabapentin for Perioperative Pain Relief in Surgical Abortion

Gabapentin for Perioperative Pain Relief in Surgical Abortion: a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Gabapentin preoperative use for evaluation of benefit to reduce pain during and after surgical office-based abortion.

A double-blind placebo controlled trial of gabapentin in the setting of an ambulatory surgical abortion center where patients receive either the routine intravenous sedation, local cervical anesthesia plus 600mg of gabapentin one hour prior to surgery vs. the same regimen plus placebo one hour prior to surgery. Our primary outcome measure will be post-operative validated pain scores using a 11-point visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary measures will include nausea and vomiting during, after and 24 hours after the procedure. A second and third pain assessment using VAS will be made at 30 minutes and at 24 hours postoperatively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women seeking surgical abortion between 5 and 23 6/7 weeks of ultrasound age.
• English or Spanish speaking
• eligible for office-based surgical pregnancy termination

Exclusion Criteria:

• present use of gabapentin or pregabalin,
• renal disease
• sensitivity or allergy to gabapentin
• Missed abortion