Efficacy of Lidocaine patch for postoperative pain relief after caesarean section: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic of the amide type which stabilises excitable membranes by inactivation of sodium channels. Its action on neuronal membranes prevents neuronal conduction. When applied topically in the form of patch, lidocaine produces a local analgesic effect. Lignocaine patch has a dual mode of action: the pharmacological action of lidocaine diffusion and the mechanical action of the hydrogel patch that protects the hypersensitive area. The lidocaine contained in the patch diffuses continuously into the skin, providing a local analgesic effect.

Caesarean section deliveries are one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, offering a safe alternative for childbirth in cases where vaginal delivery poses risks to the mother or the baby.  Inadequate pain relief not only diminishes the mother’s comfort but also impedes her ability to care for her newborn and recover swiftly. For pain control use of opioid can be a major risk factor for PONV and post-operative sedation. The use of 5% lignocaine patch may contribute to lesser analgesic consumption and early recovery in mothers  undergoing caesarean section delivery under spinal anaesthesia.

This study aims to evaluate the potential postoperative analgesic effects of the 5% lignocaine patch in women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia and it’s utility as a valuable adjunct in the multimodal approach to postoperative pain management.