Use of Lidocaine to Reduce the Propofol Induced Pain during Induction of General Anesthesia in Adult

Introduction: Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent characterized by a short induction and recovery time. However, its injection is often characterized by moderate to severe pain, thus making it uncomfortable for patients. Lidocaine has been investigated as one of the agents that can be useful in the reduction of this pain. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in reducing propofol-induced pain during induction of general anesthesia in adult patients. Materials and Method: This comparative study was conducted on 110 adult patients selected from elective lower limb surgeries at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan from January 2024, to June 2024. There were two groups the first group was given 40 mg lidocaine and the second group was given saline. Pain was calculated with the help of a tool known as the Verbal Numerical Rating Score (VNRS). Results: Lidocaine significantly decreased the prevalence and intensity of propofol injection pain, 89.1% of patients in Group L reported mild pain compared to 49.1 % of patients in Group C (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of lidocaine can minimize propofol injection pain, and it should be used routinely during induction.