In Children, Does Using a Synera Patch Decrease Pain When Injecting Propofol at Anesthesia Induction?

In Children, Does the Use of Synera Patch for Local Analgesia Before Vascular Access Reduce Pain Associated With Propofol Injection for Anesthesia Induction?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the Synera Patch (lidocaine/tetracaine patch), used to numb the skin before IV placement, is effective in reducing pain associated with propofol IV administration when inducing general anesthesia, compared to Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride topical anesthetic skin refrigerant.

Commonly, anesthesiologists inject Propofol, a sleeping medication, intravenously to induce general anesthesia. Propofol injection is associated with pain that can be severe.

The investigators also place a lidocaine/tetracaine skin patch (Synera) to decrease pain associated with IV placement. Because the local anesthetics of the Synera patch diffuse deep underneath the skin, in this study the investigators would like to evaluate whether the application of Synera Patch can decrease the pain associated with propofol injection.

Children will be randomized to receive either the patch or the Ethyl Chloride before the IV placement. A total of 33 patients will be enrolled in each group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, outpatient children, 6-17 years old
• American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Classification rating of 1 or 2
• Elective procedure requiring general anesthesia at Memorial Herman Hospital, The Medical Center, Houston, Texas

Exclusion Criteria:

• Skin disease or infection (on dorsum of hands)
• Allergy to lidocaine or tetracaine