Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025

Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery
Published on: June 23, 2023
Pain Relief for Hysterosalpingography: A Randomized Controlled, Double Blinded Trial Comparing Suppository
R M Babandi1, O C Agboghoroma1, K W Durojaiye1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.
Background:
Hysterosalpingography is dreaded by women due to pain. Pain intensity varies with different stages of the procedure and the search for an effective analgesia continues.
Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of suppository diclofenac (100mg), cervical lidocaine 25mg -prilocaine 25mg cream (5% EMLA) and placebo in pain relief for hysterosalpingography.
Methodology:
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted at National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria, between November 2018 and March 2019. Participants were allocated to three groups (A, B, C). Group A received suppository diclofenac 100mg plus placebo cream, group B got EMLA cream plus placebo suppository while group C received placebo suppository and cream. Pain levels were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, during 4 different stages of the procedure, at 30 minutes and 24 hours after the procedure. Patients' satisfaction and side effects were also assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant.
Results:
The most painful step of the procedure was during uterine distension with contrast medium with mean VAS score of 6.33±1.539, 5.37±1.377, 7.03±1.245 in group A, B and C, respectively (p-value <0.05). Mean pain scores during 4 steps of the procedure were found to be significantly lower in EMLA group. Intervention groups were also more satisfied after the procedure.
Conclusion:
EMLA 5% cream is a more effective analgesic for HSG compared to both diclofenac and placebo.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...

