Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2003 Dec;27(6):521-526.

Identification of Patients More Susceptible to Severe Anal Pain after Colonoscopy and Effect of Topical Treatment of Lidocaine Gel in Reducing the Anal Pain: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study (Identification and Management of Patients Susceptible to Severe Anal Pain after Colonoscopy)

• Kim SE
• Jung SA
• Shim KN
• Cho YK
• Kwon JM
• Chun CH
• Shin JE
• Yoo K

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The aim of this study was to identify which patients are more susceptible to severe anal pain after colonoscopy and to determine the usefulness of lidocaine gel in reducing the anal pain.
METHODS
A prospective trial was performed with 150 consecutive outpatients who underwent a colonoscopic examination. The patients were randomized into three groups: they received topical treatment of lidocaine gel (n=48) or lubricant gel (chlorhexidine gluconate) (n=48), or no treatment (n=54) just after the procedure. Data regarding the procedures were collected and the patients were phone-interviewed on the next day.
RESULTS
Seventy of 150 (46.7%) had moderate to severe pain (VAS score>or=4). A multiple regression analysis found that the presence of hemorrhoid was significantly (p<0.05) associated with severe anal pain after colonoscopy. Among three groups, there was no significant difference of the pain scores on the procedure day on the next day. However, patients' subjective evaluation about the usefulness of the gel was significantly better in the lidocaine group than in the placebo group in patients who had moderate to severe pain (79.2% vs. 43.5%, p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
A palliative management is more required for patients who complain moderate to severe pain just after colonoscopy or those with hemorrhoid

Keyword

Colonoscopy; Anal pain; Lidocaine gel

MeSH Terms

Colonoscopy*
Hemorrhoids
Humans
Lidocaine*
Outpatients
Prospective Studies*
Lidocaine