Gabapentin effectively reduces postoperative pain in abdominal surgery.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 studies involving 1,812 patients revealed gabapentin’s significant efficacy in postoperative pain management for abdominal surgery. It notably decreased pain levels, opioid consumption, and rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), positioning gabapentin as a beneficial component of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Despite varying results across studies, the compelling findings advocate for further investigation into optimal dosing and safety measures, particularly for vulnerable populations.