Lidocaine in Decreasing the Perioperative Opioid Analgesic Requirements After Ambulatory Surgery
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Infusions of lidocaine at low doses have an excellent safety record. It has been proposed that intravenous lidocaine infusion improved overall surgical outcomes and reduced postoperative discomfort. Objective: To compare the mean opioid analgesic requirements in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery receiving lidocaine versus placebo. Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024 at the Anaesthesia Department of Liaquat National Hospital. A total of 80 patients were included and divided equally into the 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine group and the Placebo group. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain while at rest. At the time of discharge from the anesthesia care unit (PACU), 2 hours and 4 hours in a hospital stay. The data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS. Results: The placebo group consisted of 45% males, while the lidocaine group comprised 50% male patients. The mean VAS in PACU at 2 and 4 hours for the lidocaine group was 1.50±2.01 and 1.70±1.69 respectively, while the mean VAS for the placebo group was 1.75±1.94 and 3.52±3.04. Overall, 20% of patients in the lidocaine group required nalbuphine, compared to 50% of placebo. The study groups and the need for nalbuphine were significantly associated (p = 0.005). There was a significant mean difference in nalbuphine dose by study group for patients whose surgeries lasted longer than 60 minutes (p = 0.038). Conclusion: Lidocaine infusion reduces the incidence of PONV, the total need for opioids, and the severity of postoperative pain.
Authors: Hanesh Tanwani, Muhammad Amim Anwar, Shehrum Bughio, Sadam Hussain, Nazish Kanwal, Ghulam Fatima
Institution: Liaquat National Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408938504