Topical Lidocaine plus Diclofenac as a Local AnestheticAgent in Central Venous Catheterization; a RandomizedControlled Clinical Trial

Various methods of analgesia can be used to reduce or prevent procedural pain in emergencydepartment (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical lidocaine-diclofenac combinationcompared to lidocaine-prilocaine combination (Xyla-P) in reduction of the pain during central venous catheter(CVC) insertion.

In this randomized clinical trial, 100 adult patients requiring CVC insertion in the EDwere enrolled. These patients were randomly divided into two groups. The site of CVC insertion was coveredwith 2 g of topical Xyla-P cream in the first group, and 2 g of topical lidocaine-diclofenac cream in the secondgroup. The primary outcome was the pain during CVC implantation. The secondary outcomes were physiciansatisfaction and the incidence of side effects.

On the visual analog scale (VAS), the pain score duringCVC insertion was significantly lower in the second group (p = 0.027). However, there was no difference in painscores during lidocaine injection between the two groups (p = 0.386). Also, there was no significant differencein the rate of side effects between the two groups (p = 1.0). The physician’s satisfaction with the first groupwas significantly lower than the second group (p = 0.042).

Although the CVC insertion pain wassignificantly lower in patients who received the topical combination of Lidocaine plus Diclofenac, there wasno clinically important difference between the two groups and both topical anesthetics were effective and safein reducing pain intensity. Also, lidocaine-diclofenac combination cream was more cost-effective than Xyla-Pcream.