The effect of topical lignocaine gel in pain relief for colposcopic assessment and biopsy: is it useful?

Authors: Wong; Li; Fan

Source: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Volume 115, Number 8, July 2008 , pp. 1057-1060(4)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

We investigated the use of topical ligocaine gel in pain relief for colposcopy and cervical punch biopsy. Ninety women referred for colposcopy due to abnormal cervical cytology were randomised to receive 5 ml of either 2% xylocaine gel or KY jelly to the cervix and the upper part of the vagina for at least 10 minutes prior to the colposcopic procedures. Pain score was obtained at several points of the procedure. Topical lignocaine gel did not significantly relieve pain from cervical punch biopsy and alleviate the stinging sensation from application of acetic acid and Lugol's iodine to cervix and vagina. However, it may be beneficial to a subgroup of women with prior unpleasant experience towards speculum examination.

Keywords: Cervical punch biopsy; colposcopy; pain relief; topical xylocaine gel

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2008.01780.x

Affiliations: 1: Clinical Services Division, The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Publication date: 2008-07-01