Melatonin vs Gabapentin for Post Trauma Surgery

A Comparative Study of Melatonin and Gabapentin as Premedication for Patients Undergoing Surgery Following Trauma

This project aims to compare the effect of preoperative administration of melatonin and gabapentin in reducing preoperative anxiety, stress markers and postoperative pain levels in trauma patients undergoing surgery. Gabapentin has analgesic as well as sedative properties. Melatonin, a hormone has been extensively used in intensive care units and has found to improve the sleep cycle and reduce pain. It is now being explored as a preoperative medication.

Inclusion criteria: Patients will be recruited if they satisfy the following inclusion criteria:

• Age 18-65 years,
• ASA score I-II,
• Scheduled either for non-emergency surgery after trauma and
• Presumptive duration of operation not exceeding 3 hours.

Exclusion criteria: The following patients will be excluded from the study:

• Patients for emergency surgeries
• Surgeries taking place after 1pm (to account for diurnal variation in cortisol levels)
• Patients having altered mental state, history of psychiatric disorder, history of drug abuse or those on chronic pain medication
• Patients who have come for a repeat surgery and have already been included once in the study