Flexible cystoscopy in men: is topical anaesthesia with lignocaine gel worthwhile?
OBJECTIVE
The value of 2% lignocaine gel as a topical anaesthetic for flexible cystoscopy in men was tested in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.


METHODS
A total of 138 patients were entered into the study. Group A patients (n = 75) received 10 ml of 2% lignocaine gel intraurethrally whilst 10 ml of plain lubricating gel was instilled in the remaining 63 patients (Group B). Patient discomfort was recorded by means of a four-point descriptive pain scale (completed by both surgeon and patient) and a 100 mm non-graphic rating visual analogue scale (patient only).


RESULTS
The results showed no significant difference between the two treatments irrespective of the method of recording.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that 2% lignocaine gel offers no advantage over plain lubricating gel in providing analgesia for flexible cystoscopy. In this situation good lubrication may be a more important factor than topical anaesthesia.
Birch
B R
BR
Southampton University Hospitals, UK.
Ratan
P
P
Morley
R
R
Cumming
J
J
Smart
C J
CJ
Jenkins
J D
JD
D000368:Aged; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D003558:Cystoscopy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005782:Gels; D008012:Lidocaine