As per the results of a recent observational study issued in the Journal-Pain Medicine, intraoperative and postoperative lidocaine intravenous (IV) usage as a part of multimodal anesthesia may be helpful in decreasing the inflammatory-dependent postoperative pain intensity.

The study authors assessed the effect of perioperative, lidocaine IV infusion as a part of multimodal anesthesia on concentrations of particular pain modulators.

A total of 44 children undergoing extensive spinal surgery were split into 2 groups following the surgery i.e., study group with 23 children, with lidocaine anesthetized as a co-analgesic, and the control group with 22 children, anesthetized normally without lidocaine. The proinflammatory mediators for example interleukin 6 (IL-6), neuron growth factor (NGF), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and FOS protein prior to, immediately after, 6 hours and 12 to 15 hours post- surgery. Pain intensity was assessed at corresponding time points via a 10-point numerical/graphical scale.

As found, pain reduction was observed in resting state and during coughing until 6 hours post- surgery in children in lidocaine group than control group as shown in the following graph:

At 6 hours after surgery, lower NGF and IL-6 levels in the lidocaine group versus controls were found. During the postoperative period in the study group, the mean HMGB1 levels were comparatively stable, while significant increases at 6 hours after surgery and slight decrease at 12–15 hours after surgery in the controls were witnessed. A negative correlation between HMGB1, NGF, Il-6, and lidocaine concentrations post-surgery was revealed. Also, no differences in FOS protein levels between the groups were observed.