Effect of intravenous lidocaine on catheter‑related bladder discomfort, postoperative pain and opioid requirement in complex fusion lumbar spinal surgery: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial.

Background: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) and pain commonly arises postoperatively in patients who undergo intra-operative urinary catheterization. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine to prevent CRBD and postoperative pain in complex lumbar spinal surgery.

Methods: Eighty male patients, aged 20-79 years, scheduled for elective fusion spine surgery at least two levels were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg followed by 2 mg/kg/h) (Group L) or a parallel volume of normal saline (Group C). The primary outcome was incidence of moderate to severe CRBD in a postanesthetic care unit (PACU) between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, 24-hour post operative opioid requirement, mild and moderate to severe CRBD at 1, 2, 6 and 24 h postoperatively, patient satisfaction on Global Perceived Effect Scale (GPES), and the adverse effects of lidocaine and surgical complications.

Results: Group L showed a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD compared to Group C in the PACU (P = 0.002) and at 1 h postoperatively (P = 0.039). Additionally, Group L experienced a significantly lower average pain scores compared to Group C at all time points (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 at 0, 1, 2, 6 and 24 h, respectively) and demonstrated a significantly reduced postoperative morphine requirement across all time intervals (P < 0.05). Group L also reported significantly higher satisfaction on GPES compared to group C (P < 0.001). No adverse outcome was observed in either group.

Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine administration significantly reduced the incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD at PACU and at 1 h postoperatively. Additionally, its use in complex spine surgery led to reductions in postoperative pain, opioid requirement, and improved patient satisfaction, without any observed side effects.