Gabapentin for the treatment of dysesthetic pain after reconstructive surgery.
BACKGROUND
Debilitating, postoperative dysesthetic pain after reconstructive surgery is a rare but problematic complication. Conventional therapy is either marginally effective or fraught with side effects. Gabapentin is a new, novel antiepileptic drug helpful in the management of other pain states.


OBJECTIVE
A case of disturbing, postoperative dysesthetic pain after reconstructive surgery is presented.


METHODS
A trial of gabapentin in escalating dose was initiated and the results and side effects were recorded.


RESULTS
Treatment with gabapentin was associated with a substantial decrease in pain, which relapsed after tapering the medication. Relief was obtained with dose escalation, and a successful taper was eventually accomplished. Side effects were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first reported use of gabapentin in the treatment of postoperative dysesthetic pain. Although this type of neuropathic pain is difficult to manage, gabapentin produced substantial relief with few side effects. Further investigation is warranted.
Otley
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CC
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin