[Pain associated with the injection of Diprivan]

Pain at the site of propofol injection is a real problem which requires particular attention in children. In adults, undergoing planned surgery, premedication or opioid administration prior to propofol seem to sufficiently reduce the frequency and severity of the pain induced by the injection of the agent into a distal arm vein. Adding lidocaine to propofol just before the injection is debatable in day-case procedures, especially if the injection is carried out on the dorsum of the hand. In children, intravenous administration of lidocaine seems to be more routinely performed, whatever the type of surgery.