Consider Lidocaine Gel for Urethral Catheterization in Men . . . But Not in Women

Undergoing urethral catheterization is at best uncomfortable and is often painful. In this study, mens' tolerance of the procedure was measured both with use of anesthetic lubricants and with use of nonanesthetic lubricants.

Thirty-six alert, cooperative men who required urethral catheterization were randomized to receive 15 mL of either topical lidocaine 2% gel or surgical lubricant, which was injected into the urethra and left in place for 15 minutes before placement of a 16-Fr Foley catheter. Patients rated their pain on a 100-mm visual analog scale. The group pretreated with lidocaine gel reported significantly less pain during injection of the study gel and during catheterization. Mean numbers of catheterization attempts or adverse even…