The Effect of Lidocaine Gel on Episiotomy Pain and Healing: A Double –Blind: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The life of women is threatened in childbirth process and even they may lose their life occasionally. Interventions such as episiotomy that always is not necessary may lead to pain and delay of healing and a lot of pain and suffering in postpartum period. Materials and Methods: In this randomized blinded controlled trial, 124 women with Medio-lateral episiotomy (women were divided into 2 groups: for 62, lubricant gel was used and lidocaine gel for the other 62) were been studied. Pain intensity was initially assessed with numerical rating scale (0-10) after beginning post –episiotomy pain and before using any gel and at 1st, 2rd, 3rd, 4rd hours after gel usage and also between 12-48 hours and 10th day of postpartum. Level of satisfaction was evaluated with numerical rating scale 0-20 onset 12-48 hours and 10th day of postpartum. Level of healing also was recorded with Steen and Cooper scale in 10th day of delivery. For data analysis, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) an inferential statistics (t test and x2 test, Mann -Whitney) were used. Results: In this study no statistical difference were found neither in mean of pain intensity over the time after delivery, level satisfaction and nor in level of healing. There were not statistical differences in terms of painkiller (acetaminophen) request in first 12-48 hours and 10th day of delivery. Discussion: In addition, we found that using lidocaine gel for post –episiotomy pain, either in first hours after initial application or 12-48 hours up to 10th day of delivery, had no effect in reducing pain. Although the severity of pain in first hours in lidocaine group was less than lubricant group, the contrary was the case 10th day of postpartum. Researcher believes that in might be due to lubricating effect of lubricant gel, which reduce patient's suffering.