Summary
To assess the value of intradermal xylocame when setting up a routine intravenous infusion, 100 consecutive patients were randomly allocated to cannula insertion with and without 0.5 c.c. of intradermal Xylocaine. No differences in patient discomfort were demonstrated. Insertion of cannulae with Xylocaine were more often unsuccessful, but when successful, infiltration was more frequent (13 vs 4, p<0.62), they lasted for a shorter time (52 vs 77 hrs, p<0.62), and were associated with greater cost than those set up without Xylocaine. Routine use of intradermal Xylocaine when setting up an intravenous infusion can not be recommended.
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Stephens, R.B., McClinton, S., Mulhall, J. et al. Intradermal xylocaine : dobs it have a role in setting up a drip ?. Ir J Med Sci 151, 160–161 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02940169
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02940169