Efficacy of the topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster in the treatment of chronic post-thoracotomy neuropathic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of the topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (Versatis®, Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany) in patients with post-thoracotomy neuropathic pain.


METHODS
Patients were randomized to receive the topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (n = 33) or non-medicated placebo plasters (n = 30) for 12 h every day for 8 weeks. Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) were measured, and various questionnaires/scales completed.


RESULTS
Numeric Rating Scale pain scores improved significantly (p < 0.01) more in topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster than in placebo recipients. The same was true for N2 and P2 LEP latency and amplitude, and other parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
The study included neurophysiological findings and confirmed the efficacy of the topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster in patients with chronic post-thoracotomy neuropathic pain.
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Pasquale
P
Sansone
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Maria Beatrice
MB
Passavanti
Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Alfonso
A
Fiorelli
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Caterina
C
Aurilio
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Umberto
U
Colella
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Lorenzo
L
De Nardis
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Valerio
V
Donatiello
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Vincenzo
V
Pota
Department of Woman, Child, General & Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Maria Caterina
MC
Pace
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008012:Lidocaine
5% lidocaine medicated plaster; laser-evoked potentials; neuropathic pain; post-thoracotomy pain