The impact of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on early postoperative pain after complex spine surgeries

Abstract

Background This study aimed to assess the effect of intravenous lidocaine infusion affected on early postoperative pain control after complex spin surgeries. Ninety patients who were scheduled for complex spine surgery were included in this prospective double-blinded controlled trial. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: L and P. Patients in group L received a loading dose of lidocaine 1 mg/kg then followed by 1.5 mg/kg/h infusion till the end of the surgery, while in group P, lidocaine was replaced with normal saline. Results The pain score assessed by VAS at rest showed statistically significant lower values in group L at 30 min, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. VAS during movement was significantly higher in group P only after 24 h postoperatively. The entire dose of intraoperative fentanyl consumed was significantly lower in group L. The time elapsed to ask for the first dose of rescue analgesia was significantly longer in group L. The first rescue dose of nalbuphine was significantly lower in group L. In group P, the overall dose of narcotics consumed in the first postsurgical day was significantly higher. Conclusions When compared to placebo, lidocaine infusion significantly reduced the postoperative pain scores, as well as the entire dose of intraoperative and postoperative narcotics used.