Effectiveness of paracervical block for pain relief in women undergoing hysterosalpingography

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential benefit, in terms of pain relief, of the paracervical block with 2% lignocaine in women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG). STUDY DESIGN This study was a prospective randomized controlled study. SETTINGS This study was conducted in infertility clinic of a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four hundred and six patients undergoing HSG as a part of infertility evaluation were included in the study. These women were randomized into two groups: Group I received paracervical block with 2% lignocaine at the time of HSG (n = 53) and Group II (n = 53) served as control. Hyoscine (10 mg) oral tablet was given to all the patients 30 min before the procedure. Pain perception during the procedure was analyzed by the patient between 0 and 10 on a numeric rating scale, immediately after HSG. RESULTS The baseline demographic characteristics of participants in two groups were similar. Mean pain score immediately after HSG in the study group and control group was 4.84 ± 2.56 and 5.21 ± 1.89, respectively (P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS There is no benefit of paracervical block with 2% lignocaine, in terms of pain relief, in women undergoing HSG.