Comparison of the efficacy of different local anesthetics and techniques of local anesthesia in therapeutic abortions.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine whether carbonated or plain lidocaine provides better pain control during abortions and to determine whether deep injections of lidocaine provide better pain control than regular injections of lidocaine. Phase 1 was a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial comparing 10 cm3 of 2% carbonated lidocaine with plain lidocaine. In phase 2 the plain lidocaine group in phase 1 was compared prospectively with the next group of patients, in whom a new technique of deep injection was used. A pain scale was administered by the counselor after dilatation and at the end of the procedure. The improvement in pain scores with carbonated lidocaine was 8%. The improvement with the deep injection technique was 25%. The improvement in pain scores with deep injection was clinically significant and is recommended.