We compared two techniques of local anesthesia used in transvaginal ultrasound guided oocyte recovery in in vitro fertilization: paracervical lidocaïne block versus vaginal application of Emla, a topical anesthesic cream.
Study design: The study included 103 patients divided in two groups. Pain was evaluated by visual analog scale and questionnaire.
Results: Univariate analysis showed that the patients were satisfied with neither of the two protocols. Multivariate analysis revealed paracervical lidocaïne block to be superior. The premedication appeared inadequate.
Conclusion: We decide to use paracervical lidocaïne block and to improve the premedication. Indications for general and locoregional anesthesia were also enlarged. A new study showed a significantly greater patient satisfaction. One variable analysis indicated that no one of these protocols satisfied our patients.