Intra-arterial lidocaine for pain control after uterine artery embolization: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Introduction

The efficacy of intra-arterial lidocaine for pain control of uterine artery embolization remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of intra-arterial lidocaine versus placebo on the postoperative pain intensity of uterine artery embolization.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through April 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of intra-arterial lidocaine versus placebo on pain control of uterine artery embolization. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results

Three RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for uterine artery embolization, intra-arterial lidocaine was associated with substantially reduced pain scores at 4 h (SMD = −0.85; 95% CI = −1.31 to −0.38; p = .0003) and analgesic consumption (SMD = −0.84; 95% CI = −1.26 to −0.42; p < .0001), but has no obvious influence on pain scores at 7 h (SMD = −0.19; 95% CI = −0.63 to 0.25; p = .40) or pain scores at 24 h (SMD = −0.55; 95% CI = −1.25 to 0.16; p = .13).

Conclusions

Intra-arterial lidocaine is effective for pain control after uterine artery embolization.

Keywords:

• Intra-arterial lidocaine
• pain control
• uterine artery embolization
• randomized controlled trials

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).