A randomised controlled trial comparing two different local anaesthetic injection techniques prior to LLETZ

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Surgery
• Pain Management
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a common treatment for cervical abnormalities.
• Pain during local anaesthesia injection is a significant factor affecting patient experience during LEEP.
• Optimizing anaesthetic techniques can enhance patient comfort and procedural tolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the pain experienced with two distinct local anaesthetic injection techniques prior to LEEP.
• To determine if a modified superficial injection method reduces pain compared to standard deep cervical anaesthesia.

Main Methods:

• Sixty women scheduled for LEEP were randomized into two groups.
• Control group: received standard deep cervical anaesthesia.
• Study group: received superficial anaesthetic injection followed by deep injection.
• Pain was quantified using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Main Results:

• Women receiving the superficial anaesthetic injection technique reported significantly less pain during the procedure.
• The modified technique demonstrated a reduction in pain perception compared to the standard deep injection method.

Conclusions:

• A superficial local anaesthetic injection technique prior to LEEP offers superior pain reduction compared to deep injection.
• This modified anaesthetic approach may improve patient comfort and acceptance of LEEP procedures.