Lignocaine vs Bupivacaine Infiltration for Postpartum Perineal Pain After Vaginal Delivery With Episiotomy in Primigravidae

In this study, we will compare the effect and safety of lignocaine versus bupivacaine infiltration for postpartum perineal pain after vaginal delivery with episiotomy in primigravidae.

Episiotomy is the most common procedure used for dilatation of the vaginal opening for giving birth. Although episiotomy is associated with benefits for the mother, it may lead to short term and long-term disabilities, including postpartum perineal pain that is secondary to perineal tearing. The perineal pain experienced due to receiving an episiotomy is severe during the first few days after delivery, and it can lead to limitations in movement and difficulties with urination and defecation. Bupivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic that effectively reduces postoperative pain. In practice, bupivacaine is used for infiltration anesthesia, nerve blocks, epidural, and caudal anesthesia. It has a more selective effect on sensory nerve fibers as compared to motor nerve fibers, therefore is preferred in obstetrics. Lignocaine infiltration, with the presence or absence of epidural anesthesia, is the most frequently employed local anesthetic in ameliorating postpartum perineal pain. It is a rapid-onset amide local anesthetic with a short duration of action lasting up to two hours.