Single Dose of Magnesium Sulfate as an Adjuvant to General Anesthesia Improves Pain Control, Discomfort and Quality of Sleep Postoperatively

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. As a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors antagonist, magnesium may play a role in prevention of pain. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of single dose magnesium sulfate preoperatively on postoperative pain scores, discomfort and quality of sleep. Methods. Forty patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized in two groups. Group A received 20 mg/kg magnesium sulfate after the anesthesia induction, prior to surgical incision, and Group B was the control group. Assessment was made for pain at rest in both groups according to VAS (0-10), analgesic consumption, discomfort and quality of sleep during first 48 hours postoperatively. Resultѕ. Compared to control group, magnesium-treated patients had lower postoperative pain at rest according to VAS score (p< 0.05) and consumed less analgesic drugs during the first 48 hours (p<0.05). The magnesium-treated group experienced less discomfort during the first and the second postoperative day. The magnesium-treated group reported no changes in sleeping pattern compared to preoperative sleeping pattern, while the control group showed an increase in insomnia during the first and the second postoperative night, compared to that preoperatively. Conclusion. Perioperative use of magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to general anesthesia is associated with lower postoperative pain, less analgesic consumption, less discomfort and better sleep in the postoperative period.