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

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.