Use of Topical Lidocaine Gel Plus Paracervical Blockade vs. Paracervical Blockade Alone for Pain Management During Manual Vacuum Aspiration: ADouble-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate if the use of lidocaine gel applied to the cervix prior to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in addition to paracervical blockade is useful in reducing the level of pain associated with the procedure.

Methods: A total of 88 patients were randomized to receive either 5 mL of lidocaine gel or a placebo applied topically to the cervix 5 minutes prior to paracervical blockade. Both groups received the same drugs for pain control (tramadol hydrochloride, diazepam, and sodium diclofenac). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for evaluation of pain intensity at two times: 2 minutes before the blockade (directly after tenaculum clamping of the anterior aspect of the cervix) and after MVA of the uterine cavity.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in pain intensity between the arms of the study. At the first evaluation time (cervical clamping), VAS pain score for the placebo group (control) was 3.6 (2.1) and that for the lidocaine gel group (case) was 1.2 (1.4) (P < 0.01). At the second evaluation time (after manual vacuum aspiration), VAS pain score perceived by the control group was 5.3 (2.5) and that for the case group was 3.1 (1.9) (P < 0.01). The use of lidocaine gel was not associated with any adverse effects of interest.

Conclusion: The use of a topical lidocaine gel plus paracervical blockade was effective in reducing the intensity of pain associated with MVA when compared to paracervical blockade alone.

Keywords: Manual vacuum aspiration; lidocaine gel; paracervical blockade; visual analog scale for pain.