Abstract
Objective. To evaluate postoperative pain after administration of topical lignocaine during laparoscopic sterilisation in awake patients using Falope rings. Study design. Thirty-six women who underwent laparoscopic tubal sterilisation were assigned randomly to receive topical lignocaine (1%, 10 ml) or placebo. A 4-point verbal rating score was used to assess pain at ring application, 15 minutes and 1 hour thereafter, and at discharge. Side-effects, complications, extra pain medication requirements and satisfaction rates at follow-up were assessed postoperatively. Results. The pain scores were significantly lower in the lignocaine group than in the placebo group at 15 minutes (2.06 v. 2.94) and 1 hour (1.187 v. 2.33) and at discharge (0.18 v. 1.1). The side-effects and complications were similar in the two groups. Procedure satisfaction and acceptability were higher in the lignocaine group (p=0.005). Conclusion. Topical lignocaine applied to the fallopian tubes at the time of laparoscopic tubal sterilisation decreases postoperative pain and improves satisfaction rates even if done under sedation and local anaesthesia.