Preventing Propofol-associated Injection Pain

Propofol Mixed With Lidocaine Versus Lidocaine Pretreatment With Tourniquet for Alleviation of Pain Associated With Propofol Injection

Injection of propofol is associated with discomfort in subsets of patients. Local anesthetics have been shown to attenuate this response in some patients. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tests the hypothesis that lidocaine mixed with propofol will be superior to lidocaine administered directly into the vein, under tourniquet control, prior to injection of propofol. Both groups are expected to be superior to placebo.

Inclusion criteria:

• weight >40kg, <100kg
• ambulatory surgery

Exclusion criteria:

• allergy to propofol or lidocaine
• taking opioids, benzodiazepines, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)