A Review on the Pain-Reducing Effects of Lidocaine Patches in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgeries

Context: 

While lidocaine patches have been shown to be effective in ameliorating postoperative pain following procedures such as laparoscopic surgeries, midline incision gynecological surgery, and radical prostatectomy, their effectiveness is questionable in other conditions. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the pain-reducing efficacy of lidocaine patches in individuals undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal (GI) problems.

Evidence Acquisition:

 A literature search was conducted using the following keywords and Boolean operators: "[(digestive system surgical procedures [MeSH Terms]) OR abdominal surgery OR gastrointestinal surgical procedures) AND (postoperative pain), AND ((lidocaine [MeSH Terms]) OR lidocaine patch)]". After reviewing the titles and abstracts, 5 studies were included in the review.

 Three out of the 5 studies reviewed reported that lidocaine patches significantly reduced pain compared to control drugs and placebos. Another study reported a reduction in pain in lidocaine patch receivers, but this finding was statistically insignificant. All the studies reviewed reported a significant or marginally significant decrease in the use of opioids in lidocaine patch receivers.

 The effectiveness of lidocaine patches in alleviating postoperative pain is inconclusive. Considering the potential efficacy of lidocaine patches in reducing pain and the need for opioid use following abdominal surgeries, it seems necessary to conduct studies with larger sample sizes to clarify this issue.