Urethral Catheterization in Women: Lidocaine Gel Doesn't Reduce Pain

Results from some studies in men suggest that topical anesthetic lubricants make urethral catheterization less painful. These authors assessed whether these agents would reduce catheterization pain in women. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, 100 women who required urethral catheterization received 5 mL of either 2% lidocaine gel or surgical lubricant injected into the urethra 1 minute before catheter insertion. The treating physicians determined whether patients required 8-Fr specimen collection catheters or 16-Fr indwelling urethral catheters. Patients rated their pain before and during the procedure on a 100-mm visual analog scale.

No significant differences in pain ratings were found between the lidocaine and surgical lubr…