Study of Use of Synera for Pain During Local Skin Infiltration With Lidocaine Before Epidural Placement

Randomized Study of the Use of Synera for Pain Relief During Local Lidocaine Needle Skin Infiltration for Epidural Placement in Subjects Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section.

Local infiltration with lidocaine prior to epidural placement for cesarean section, although brief, can be painful. This pain can lead to increased anxiety and distress, adversely affecting patient's overall experience. This study proposes to examine the application of Synera pain patch prior to lidocaine infiltration to reduce this pain and anxiety.

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effect of the Synera on maternal experience during epidural placement. The efficacy of Synera pain patch in reducing subject pain during skin infiltration with lidocaine prior to epidural placement in subjects presenting for scheduled cesarean section will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years old;
• Undergoing pre-scheduled cesarean section;
• Expected singleton birth;
• BMI <=35kg.m-2;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing emergency cesarean section;
• Complications during pregnancy;
• History of hypersensitivity to study medication(lidocaine or tetracaine) or para-aminobenzoic acid;
• Allergies to bird proteins, feathers, or egg products; or any other skin allergies; dermatitis an open wound at the patch site or a history of difficult epidural placement;