Use of Subcutaneous Local Anaesthetic in Venous Catheters Channelling For Reducing Pain

Abstract

Venous catheters channeling is one of the most widely used techniques, described by patients as stressful and painful. Nurses have at their disposal measures to reduce pain, such as the use of local anaesthetic both in topical or subdermal format. Objectives: To analyse the use of intradermal local anaesthetic (Lidocaine 1%) against the use of saline solution 0.9% in venous catheters channelling and their effectiveness for reducing the pain of venipuncture. Methods: This randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial includes a total of 24 randomly-chosen patients scheduled for surgery. They have been chosen after meeting the inclusion criteria and treated with either Lidocaine 2% or saline solution 0.9% before the peripheral venous cannulation. Immediately after the procedure, participants have taken a questionnaire to assess their discomfort level and other adverse symptoms related to the procedure by using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 10 points. Results: The Mann-Whitney U test was carried out in order to know possible significant differences between the medians of both groups. There were significant differences in the VAS (p <0.001). Conclusions: Comparing to the subcutaneous administration of saline solution 0.9%, the use of Lidocaine 2% subcutaneously administered to these patients is effective for pain control.