Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Bolus administration of intravenous lidocaine reduces pain after an elective caesarean section: Findings from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
We conducted a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess whether a bolus dose of lidocaine during the induction of general anaesthesia would reduce postoperative pain over 24 h. Level of satisfaction with pain control at 48 h after surgery and Apgar score were also examined. A total of 100 women aged 20-35 years, who were candidates for elective caesarean section (CS) were randomised to receive either 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine or placebo during the induction of general anaesthesia. ⋯ In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial the use of a bolus dose of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine 2%, compared with placebo, during the induction of general anaesthesia for elective CS resulted in a significant decrease in postoperative pain score as well as decreased postoperative morphine consumption over 24 h. Lidocaine use was not associated with any side effect in participants and newborns. • This study provides the first evidence that a bolus dose of lidocaine may be a safe and simple alternative therapeutic intervention for enhanced postoperative recovery in terms of pain and postoperative opioid consumption. Future studies are needed to examine pain reducing effect of perioperative bolus dose of lidocaine after CS under spinal or epidural anesthesia.