SummaryWe performed a randomised controlled study in patients undergoing day case laparoscopic sterilisation to assess whether coating Filshie clips with 2% lignocaine gel prior to application to the Fallopian tubes would reduce postoperative pain. Sixty-two patients were studied, in 33 of whom the Filshie clips were coated in sterile 2% lignocaine gel. Pain scores in the Iignocaine gel group were significantly lower than in the control group at 1 h after return to the ward, but no diferences were found immediately on refurn to the ward, or at discharge or at 24 h. There were no signijicant diferences between the two groups in postoperative analgesic requirements or in side effects.