Could a single pill before surgery cut opioid use after kidney stone treatment?

This study tested whether giving a single dose of pregabalin (Lyrica) before ureteroscopy—a surgery for kidney stones that often leaves a temporary stent in the ureter—can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers afterward. 118 adults were randomly assigned to receive either pregabalin or a placebo about an hour before surgery. Researchers then measured pain scores and how much opioid medication patients used during recovery. The goal is to find a safer, non-narcotic way to manage post-surgery discomfort.