Flexible cystoscopy in men: is topical anaesthesia with lignocaine gel worthwhile?

The value of 2% lignocaine gel as a topical anaesthetic for flexible cystoscopy in men was tested in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

A total of 138 patients were entered into the study. Group A patients (n = 75) received 10 ml of 2% lignocaine gel intraurethrally whilst 10 ml of plain lubricating gel was instilled in the remaining 63 patients (Group B). Patient discomfort was recorded by means of a four-point descriptive pain scale (completed by both surgeon and patient) and a 100 mm non-graphic rating visual analogue scale (patient only).

The results showed no significant difference between the two treatments irrespective of the method of recording.

This study shows that 2% lignocaine gel offers no advantage over plain lubricating gel in providing analgesia for flexible cystoscopy. In this situation good lubrication may be a more important factor than topical anaesthesia.