Effects of EMLA Cream Application on Pain Perception and Pain Response of Children with Cancer During Implanted Venous Access Port Needle Insertion

Seo, Hyun Young; Kim, Young Hae

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify effects of EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) cream application on pain perception and pain response during insertion of implanted venous access port needle in children with cancer.
METHODS
From December 2010 to August 2011, at U university hospital, 20 patients scheduled for implanted venous access port needle insertion were recruited, and randomly assigned to receive either EMLA or a placebo cream 1 hour before the implanted venous access port needle insertion. While conducting needle insertion, changes in pulse and oxygen saturation on the pulse oxymeter monitor were measured and pain behavior reaction was also measured during needle insertion in the treatment room. After conducting needle insertion, self-reported pain reaction, and mothers' perception of the children's pain reaction were measured. Collected data were statistically processed using SPSS version 17.0 for Windows, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test.
RESULTS
Children's self-reported degree of pain, degree of pain as perceived by mothers and pain behavior reaction decreased significantly in the EMLA application group compared with the placebo group.
CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that application of EMLA cream is effective in relieving pain in these children during implanted venous access port needle insertion.