The efficacy of 2% Lidocaine gel in pain relieving of episiotomy: A double-blind randomized trial

Objective: Episiotomy is the most common obstetric surgical and discomfort and pain is a common experience for all women exposed to episiotomy. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine gel 2% in pain relieving after episiotomy. Methodology: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 150 women who had episiotomy were selected and received 5cc lidocaine gel 2% or a placebo every four hours after episiotomy repair. Then pain ratings were recorded before the administration of the drugs and at 6 and 12 hour after the first dose, according to a numerical rating scale. Data were analyzed using the unpaired t- test, and the Pearson (χ2) test. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Women using lidocaine gel had lower average pain scores, although this only reached statistical significance at 12 hours after delivery (p =0.009). Mean pain score at this time was 2.63 ± 2.01 in lidocaine group and 3.6 ± 2.4 in placebo group. Also there was a significant difference between two group in consumption of analgesia in postpartum (P=0.034). There weren’t any adverse effect with lidocaine gel uses. Conclusions: This study suggested that lidocaine gel is a safe and simple drug that may be effective for episiotomy pain relief on first day of postpartum