Comparison of Xylocaine Addition to Propofol vs Local Tapping for Alleviating Injection Pain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37762/jgmds.13-3.846Keywords:
Propofol Injection Pain, Xylocaine Admixture, Pain Reduction, Anesthesia Induction, General Anesthesia, Patient SatisfactionAbstract
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate and compare the efficacy of xylocaine–propofol admixture and local tapping in reducing the incidence and severity of propofol injection pain.
METHODOLOGY
This quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore, from August 2025 to December 2025, involving 120 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Group A received propofol mixed with 0.5 ml of 2% xylocaine, while Group B received standardized local tapping for five seconds before propofol administration. Pain severity was assessed using a four-point verbal rating scale after the first 5 ml of propofol.
RESULTS
Pain incidence and severity were significantly lower in the xylocaine group. No pain was reported by 63.3% of patients in Group A compared to 20.0% in Group B, while severe pain occurred in only 1.7% versus 16.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean pain score was significantly lower in Group A (0.50 ± 0.73) than in Group B (1.47 ± 1.04) (p < 0.001). Hemodynamic changes were also smaller in the xylocaine group, with heart rate and systolic blood pressure increasing by +2.7 bpm and +2.1 mmHg, compared to +6.7 bpm and +6.2 mmHg in the tapping group (p < 0.05). Adverse events were minimal, with only one mild irritation case in Group A. Patient satisfaction was higher in Group A, with 66.7% reporting being very satisfied compared to 30.0% in Group B.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that xylocaine admixture is significantly more effective than local tapping in reducing propofol injection pain, stabilizing hemodynamic responses, and improving patient satisfaction. Local tapping may offer partial benefit but should not replace xylocaine as the preferred technique for minimizing discomfort during propofol administration.
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