The efficacy of 2% lidocaine gel versus diclofenac suppository in pain reliving after episiotomy

Introduction: The most important problems after episiotomy is perinal pain which has more severity in the first day of postpartum. The aim of this study is to investigat the efficacy of 2% lidocaine gel versus diclofenac suppository in reliving of pain after episiotomy. Material and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 130 women who had mediolateral episiotomy received 2% lidocaine gel (n = 65) or diclofenac suppository (n = 65) at Shabihkhani hospital in Kashan (Iran). Two groups were matched for age, gestational age, parity, education, nationality, infant sex and weight, type of episiotomy, consumption of pethedin in labor. After episiotomy repaired we administered 5cc lidocaine gel every 4 hours for women in lidocaine group and 100 mg diclofenac rectal suppository for women in diclofenac group. Using a verbal rating scale, pain ratings were recorded before the administration of the drugs and at 6 and 12 hrs after the first dose. Data were analyzed with t-test, χ2 and fisher test. Results: Although there weren't any significant differences between pain severity in two groups at 6 hours (P=0.4) and 12 hours (P=0.6) after episiotomy repair, but women using diclofenac suppository had lower pain, Also there weren't any significant differences between two groups in consumption of analgesia in postpartum (P=0.2). There weren't any adverse effects with lidocaine gel or diclofenac suppository uses. Conclusions: This study suggests that lidocaine gel and diclofenac suppository have similar efficacy on episiotomy pain relief in the first day of postpartum.