Topical Uterine Anesthesia: A Preliminary Report

The instillation of 1 to 6 ml of 1% lidocaine was evaluated as a topical anesthetic method of reducing pain associated with uterine manipulations during gynecologic procedures. A plastic acorn cannula connected to a metal adapter and syringe was used to administer the topical anesthetic in 146 intrauterine device insertions, 16 cervical dilatations, and 18 dilatation and curettage procedures. Most patients reported satisfactory relief of pain. No complications were attributed to the topical anesthetic.