Comparison of topical lidocaine [2% gel] and injectable lidocaine [2% solution] for incision and curettage of chalazion in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Author(s): Osayande OO, Mahmoud AO, Bolaji BO

Affiliation(s): Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja Nigeria.

Publication date & source: 2010-12, Niger Postgrad Med J., 17(4):270-6.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Randomized Controlled Trial

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and side effects profile of topical 2% lidocaine gel with injectable 2% lidocaine solution as local anaesthetics for incision and curettage of chalazion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overa 12 month period, 61 patients with unilateral chalazia who were scheduled for incision and curettage surgery under local anaesthesia were randomized into 2 groups: A & B. Group A received 1.5 ml of injectable lidocaine as local anaesthetic while Group B received 1.5 ml of lidocaine 2% gel topically. The major outcome of interest was pain experienced during anaesthetic administration and surgery. RESULTS: Mean pain score from anaesthesia administration was significantly higher in the injection group (A = 4.46 vs. B = 0.57), (p = 0.000005). There was a statistically significant difference in mean pain score during incision and curettage with more pain in the gel group (A = 2.84 vs. B = 4.83), (p = 0.0012). However, the mean total pain score (surgery plus anaesthesia) was more in the injection than the gel group (A = 7.3 vs. B = 5.4) (p = 0.0094). The proportions that had no fear for injection were 54.8% in A and 56.7 % in B. Group A had significantly more ptosis than Group B (2.2 vs. 1.4, p = 0.00003,). Bleeding occured in 93.5% in group A while none occurred in Group B (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Lidocaine 2% gel is an effective, safe and convenient alternative to injectable lidocaine 2% as local anaesthetic agent in incision and curettage for Chalazion in this study.