Efficacy of preoperative oral gabapentin for patients undergoing intracranial surgery: Effect on laryngoscopic stress response

A reflex sympathoadrenal response could be elicited by laryngoscopy and intubation in the form of tachycardia and hypertension. These responses could be attenuated to decrease cardiac work and oxygen demands. This study was conducted to assess the role of oral gabapentin in decreasing the stress response associated with intubation. This study was conducted to assess the role of oral gabapentin in decreasing the stress response associated with intubation. A total of 70 cases who underwent intracranial surgery in Mansoura University Hospitals were included. They were divided into two groups; group C who received placebo, and group G who received gabapentin 1000 mg orally. Heart rate, blood pressure, and catecholamine levels were measured prior to intubation, then after 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. When given 1 hr prior to surgery, gabapentin effectively attenuated blood pressure, heart rate, and catecholamine levels compared to the placebo after intubation, although no statistical differences were detected statistically before intubation. Pre-treatment with 1000 mg oral gabapentin before induction of anesthesia is both safe and effective in reducing the stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation.