Publication:

Assessment of pain relief following intrauterine lignocaine in addition to paracervical block for fractional curettage

Background To assess the pain relief using visual analog score following intrauterine lignocaine in addition to paracervical block for fractional curettage.

Methods This study was a prospective, double blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in 168 patients in the department of obstetrics and Gynecology, Thanjavur Medical College with abnormal uterine bleeding. All patients received either intrauterine 2% lignocaine or Normal saline along with oral misoprostol 200μg and paracervical block prior to the procedure. The primary outcome was the assessment of pain perceived at the time of curette, soon after procedure (5 mins); 30 minutes later using VAS.

Results Both the groups were matched for age, parity, BMI, menopausal status, socioeconomic status and indication for the procedure. Patients in lignocaine group perceived less pain when compared to that in placebo group. There was no difference in both groups with respect to other outcomes.

Conclusions Addition of intrauterine 2% lignocaine in addition to paracervical block and oral misoprostol reduces pain making fractional curettage as a patient friendly procedure.