12 Versus 20 mL PCB for D&E Cervical Prep

12 Versus 20 mL Paracervical Block for Pain-Control During Cervical Preparation for Dilation and Evacuation: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

More research is needed to investigate methods of pain control for cervical preparation for abortion procedures. Women report pain with paracervical block injection as well as with osmotic dilator placement. This study seeks to compare a 12 mL, 2-site 1% plain lidocaine paracervical block for pain control during cervical preparation (osmotic dilator insertion) for Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) to a 20 mL 1% lidocaine 2-site paracervical block.

This is a non-inferiority, single blinded, randomized controlled trial.This study will use a 2-site, 12 mL 1% plain lidocaine injection paracervical block (PCB) technique (2 mL for tenaculum placement, 10 mL for paracervical block) will provide non-inferior pain control compared to a previously established 2-site, 20 mL 1% lidocaine injection PCB (2 mL for tenaculum placement, 18 mL for paracervical block) when administered for dilation pain control during cervical preparation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women 18 and older
• Intrauterine pregnancy ≥16 weeks gestation
• English speaking competency
• Willing and able to sign consent forms
• Agree to comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women less than 18 years of age
• IV conscious sedation
• Known allergy to study medication (lidocaine)
• Any women not meeting inclusion criteria above will be excluded from participation