Effects of Intravenous Lidocaine on Quality of Recovery After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of pre and intraoperative lidocaine infusion on short-term recovery quality after laparoscopic bariatric surgeries. In the search across MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases, we considered randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous lidocaine vs placebo (saline) for patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Seven studies (640 patients) were included. The lidocaine group had a significantly higher recovery quality score, a lower morphine consumption, and a notably reduced rate of nausea and vomiting compared with the placebo group. Additionally, Lidocaine infusion was associated with a shorter hospital stay, while no significant difference was observed in the time to bowel function recovery between both groups. In conclusion, lidocaine infusion before and during laparoscopic bariatric surgery contributes to an enhanced quality of recovery.

Menor aerolización con bloqueo del nervio laríngeo superior comparado con lidocaína intravenosa a la extubación / Less aerolization with superior laryngeal nerve block compared to intravenous lidocaine at extubation

Resumen: Introducción: La tos es una respuesta fisiológica de protección de la vía aérea, produce aerosoles que se identifican por imagen y alcanza una velocidad de hasta ocho metros por segundo. La extubación produce tos, hipertensión, taquicardia, apnea y laringoespasmo, existen métodos para minimizar su aparición. Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 se han utilizado como profilaxis del reflejo tusígeno, la lidocaína intravenosa y el bloqueo del nervio laríngeo superior. El objetivo fue compararlos en la inhibición de la tos. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes entre 18-60 años, cirugía electiva con anestesia general balanceada, ASA 1-3, con intubación menor a tres horas. Se aleatorizó un total de 90 pacientes, 45 en cada grupo, se eliminó un total de 10 pacientes por presentar inestabilidad hemodinámica al final de la cirugía o por no administrar dosis intravenosa de lidocaína en el tiempo establecido. Resultados: No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de pacientes que presentaron tos en ambos grupos (13 vs 10, p = 0.4684), de éstos se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de decibeles a favor del grupo de bloqueo (75.6 vs 67, p < 0.001). Conclusiones: El bloqueo (selectivo) presenta menos aerolización que la lidocaína intravenosa en la extubación.

Abstract: Introduction: Coughing is a physiological response to protect the airway, it produces aerosols that are identified by imaging reaching a speed of up to 8 meters per second. Extubation produces cough, hypertension, tachycardia, apnea and laryngospasm, there are methods to minimize its occurrence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, intravenous lidocaine and superior laryngeal nerve block have been used as cough reflex prophylaxis. The aim was to compare them in cough inhibition. Material and methods: Patients aged 18-60 years, elective surgery with balanced general anesthesia, ASA 1-3, with intubation less than 3 hours, were selected. A total of 90 patients were randomized, 45 in each group. A total of 10 patients were eliminated because they presented hemodynamic instability at the end of surgery, and because the intravenous dose of lidocaine was not administered within the established time. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who presented cough in both groups (13 vs 10, p = 0.4684), of these there was a statistically significant difference in the number of decibels in favor of the block group (75.6 vs 67, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Block presents less aerolization than intravenous lidocaine in extubation.

Intravenous lidocaine for postmastectomy pain treatment: randomized, blind, placebo controlled clinical trial / Lidocaína intravenosa no tratamento da dor pós-mastectomia: ensaio clínico aleatório encoberto placebo controlado / Lidocaína intravenosa en el tratamiento del dolor posmastectomía: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, encubierto, placebo controlado

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pain treatment in mastectomy remains a major challenge despite the multimodal approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in patients undergoing mastectomy, as well as the postoperative consumption of opioids. METHODS: After approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira in Recife, Pernambuco, a randomized, blind, controlled trial was conducted with intravenous lidocaine at a dose of 3 mg/kg infused over 1 h in 45 women undergoing mastectomy under general anesthesia. One patient from placebo group was. RESULTS: Groups were similar in age, body mass index, type of surgery, and postoperative need for opioids. Two of 22 patients in lidocaine group and three of 22 patients in placebo group requested opioid (p = 0.50). Pain on awakening was identified in 4/22 of lidocaine group and 5/22 of placebo group (p = 0.50); in the post-anesthetic recovery room in 14/22 and 12/22 (p = 0.37) of lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively. Pain evaluation 24 h after surgery showed that 2/22 and 3/22 patients (p = 0.50) of lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively, complained of pain. CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine at a dose of 3 mg/kg administered over a period of an hour during mastectomy did not promote additional analgesia compared to placebo in the first 24 h, and has not decreased opioid consumption. However, a beneficial effect of intravenous lidocaine in selected and/or other therapeutic regimens patients cannot be ruled out. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: O tratamento da dor pós-operatória em mastectomia continua sendo um grande desafio apesar da abordagem multimodal. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito analgésico da lidocaína intravenosa em pacientes submetidas a mastectomia, como também, o consumo de opioide pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Após aprovação pelo comitê de ética e pesquisa em seres humanos do Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira em Recife - Pernambuco foi realizado ensaio clínico aleatório encoberto placebo controlado com lidocaína intravenosa na dose de 3 mg/kg infundida em uma hora, em 45 mulheres submetidas a mastectomia sob anestesia geral. Excluída uma paciente do grupo placebo. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto à idade, índice de massa corpórea, tipo de intervenção cirúrgica e necessidade de opioide no pós-operatório. Solicitaram opioide 2/22 pacientes nos grupos da lidocaína e 3/22 placebo (p = 0,50). Identificada a dor ao despertar em 4/22 no grupo lidocaína e 5/22 (p = 0,50) no grupo placebo; na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica em 14/22 e 12/22 (p = 0,37) nos grupos lidocaína e placebo respectivamente. Ao avaliar a dor 24 horas após o procedimento cirúrgico 3/22 e 2/22 (p = 0,50) das pacientes relataram dor em ambos os grupos respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A lidocaína intravenosa na dose de 3mg/kg administrada em um período de uma hora no transoperatório de mastectomia não promoveu analgesia adicional em relação ao grupo placebo nas primeiras 24 horas e não diminuiu o consumo de opioide. Contudo, um efeito benéfico da lidocaína intravenosa em pacientes selecionadas e/ou em outros regimes terapêuticos não pode ser descartado. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El tratamiento del dolor postoperatorio en la mastectomía continúa siendo un gran reto a pesar del abordaje multimodal. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto analgésico de la lidocaína intravenosa en pacientes sometidas a mastectomía, así como el consumo postoperatorio de opiáceos. MÉTODOS: Después de la aprobación por el Comité de Ética e Investigación en seres humanos del Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, en Recife, Pernambuco, se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado, encubierto, placebo controlado con lidocaína intravenosa en una dosis de 3 mg/kg infundida en una hora, en 45 mujeres sometidas a mastectomía bajo anestesia general. Una paciente del grupo placebo fue excluida. RESULTADOS: Los grupos fueron similares en cuanto a la edad, índice de masa corporal, tipo de intervención quirúrgica y necesidad de opiáceos en el postoperatorio. Solicitaron opiáceos 2/22 pacientes en los grupos de la lidocaína y 3/22 placebo (p = 0,50). Fue identificado el dolor al despertar en 4/22 en el grupo lidocaína y 5/22 (p = 0,50) en el grupo placebo; en la sala de recuperación postanestésica en 14/22 y 12/22 (p = 0,37) en los grupos lidocaína y placebo, respectivamente. Al calcular el dolor 24 h después del procedimiento quirúrgico 3/22 y 2/22 (p = 0,50) de las pacientes relataron dolor en ambos grupos respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: La lidocaína intravenosa en una dosis de 3 mg/kg administrada en un período de una hora en el transoperatorio de mastectomía no generó analgesia adicional con relación al grupo placebo en las primeras 24 h y no disminuyó el consumo de opiáceos. Sin embargo, no puede ser descartado un efecto beneficioso de la lidocaína intravenosa en pacientes seleccionadas y/o en otros regímenes terapéuticos. .

Intravenous lidocaine for postmastectomy pain treatment: randomized, blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pain treatment in mastectomy remains a major challenge despite the multimodal approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in patients undergoing mastectomy, as well as the postoperative consumption of opioids. METHODS: After approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira in Recife, Pernambuco, a randomized, blind, controlled trial was conducted with intravenous lidocaine at a dose of 3mg/kg infused over 1h in 45 women undergoing mastectomy under general anesthesia. One patient from placebo group was. RESULTS: Groups were similar in age, body mass index, type of surgery, and postoperative need for opioids. Two of 22 patients in lidocaine group and three of 22 patients in placebo group requested opioid (p=0.50). Pain on awakening was identified in 4/22 of lidocaine group and 5/22 of placebo group (p=0.50); in the post-anesthetic recovery room in 14/22 and 12/22 (p=0.37) of lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively. Pain evaluation 24h after surgery showed that 2/22 and 3/22 patients (p=0.50) of lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively, complained of pain. CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine at a dose of 3mg/kg administered over a period of an hour during mastectomy did not promote additional analgesia compared to placebo in the first 24h, and has not decreased opioid consumption. However, a beneficial effect of intravenous lidocaine in selected and/or other therapeutic regimens patients cannot be ruled out.

[Intravenous lidocaine for post-mastectomy pain treatment: randomized, blind, placebo controlled clinical trial]. / Lidocaína intravenosa no tratamento da dor pós-mastectomia: ensaio clínico aleatório encoberto placebo controlado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postoperative pain treatment in mastectomy remains a major challenge despite the multimodal approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in patients undergoing mastectomy, as well as the postoperative consumption of opioids. METHODS: After approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira in Recife, Pernambuco, a randomized, blind, controlled trial was conducted with intravenous lidocaine at a dose of 3 mg/kg infused over one hour in 45 women undergoing mastectomy under general anesthesia. One patient from placebo group was RESULTS: Groups were similar in age, body mass index, type of surgery, and postoperative need for opioids. Two of 22 patients in lidocaine group and three of 22 patients in placebo group requested opioid (p=0.50). Pain on awakening was identified in 4/22 of lidocaine group and 5/22 of placebo group (p=0.50); in the post-anesthetic recovery room in 14/22 and 12/22 (p=0.37) of lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively. Pain evaluation 24hours after surgery showed that 2/22 and 3/22 patients (p=0.50) of lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively, complained of pain. CONCLUSION: Intravenous lidocaine at a dose of 3 mg/kg administered over a period of an hour during mastectomy did not promote additional analgesia compared to placebo in the first 24hours, and has not decreased opioid consumption. However, a beneficial effect of intravenous lidocaine in selected and/or other therapeutic regimens patients can not be ruled out.

A ação analgésica da lidocaína intravenosa no tratamento da dor crônica: uma revisão de literatura / The analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in the treatment of chronic pain: a literature review

Justificativa: A dor é um problema de saúde pública, comprometendo sobremaneira a qualidade de vida. Quase 80% dos pacientes com dor crônica relataram que a dor interfere em suas atividades da vida diária, e dois terços afirmaram que a dor provoca impacto negativo nas relações pessoais. A incapacidade física e funcional, seja temporária ou permanente, compromete a atividade profissional e causa absenteísmo ao trabalho, elevando os custos dos sistemas de saúde. Objetivos: O objetivo desta revisão é analisar, com base na literatura, o efeito analgésico da lidocaína administrada por via intravenosa no tratamento da dor crônica e avaliar a redução da intensidade da dor em pacientes com dor crônica, focando a etiologia musculoesquelética e neuropática. Metodologia: O método adotado foi o de revisão da literatura, consistindo na busca de artigos científicos sobre a eficácia da infusão intravenosa de lidocaína no tratamento de pacientes com dor crônica. Conteúdo: Dos 19 estudos revisados, 12 apresentaram resultados que confirmam a ação analgésica da lidocaína por via intravenosa em pacientes com dor crônica. A maioria dos autores utilizou doses de 5 mg/kg infundidas por 30 minutos ou mais, produzindo analgesia significativa com duração variável (de minutos a semanas). Conclusões: Com base na revisão da literatura, não é possível uniformemente especificar a dose mais eficaz e segura de lidocaína administrada por via intravenosa no tratamento da dor neuropática ou musculoesquelética. Quanto à eficácia, a infusão intravenosa da lidocaína como alternativa para o tratamento da dor crônica de etiologias diversas parece bastante promissora, embora estudos adicionais necessitem ser realizados. .

Background: Pain is a public health problem, greatly impairing quality of life. Almost 80% of patients with chronic pain reported that their pain interferes with activities of daily living, and two thirds reported that the pain causes negative impact on their personal relationships. The physical and functional disability, whether temporary or permanent, compromises the professional activity and causes work absenteeism, increasing costs of health systems. Objectives: The aim of this review is to analyze, based on the literature, the analgesic effect of lidocaine administered intravenously for the treatment of chronic pain and to evaluate the reduction of pain intensity in patients with chronic pain, focusing on musculoskeletal and neuropathic etiology. Methodology: The method used was a review the literature, consisting in searching the scientific literature on the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine infusion in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. Content: Of the 19 studies reviewed, 12 had results that confirm the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in patients with chronic pain. Most authors used doses of 5 mg/kg infused for 30 minutes or more, producing significant analgesia with variable duration (minutes to weeks). Conclusions: Based on the literature review, it is not possible to uniformly specify the most effective and safe dose of lidocaine administered intravenously for the treatment of neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain. As for effectiveness, the intravenous infusion of lidocaine as an alternative for the treatment of chronic pain of various etiologies seems very promising, but further studies need to be conducted. .

Lidocaína intravenosa no tratamento da dor pós-operatória / Intravenous lidocaine to treat postoperative pain

Justificativa e objetivos: A dor pós-operatória é previsível, no entanto continua sendo inadequadamente tratada. O tratamento multimodal diminui os efeitos colaterais e propicia adequado alivio da dor. A lidocaína, anestésico local utilizado há mais de cinco décadas, vem sendo empregada por via intravenosa com o objetivo de tratar a dor em diversos tipos de operação com resultados promissores. O objetivo deste estudo foi rever o uso da lidocaína intravenosa no tratamento da dor pós-operatória e seu mecanismo de ação. Conteudo: Este artigo aborda o emprego da lidocaína intravenosa no manuseio da dor pós-operatória, seu mecanismo de ação e a aplicabilidade em diversos tipos de procedimentos cirúrgicos. Realizada busca ativa através das seguintes bases de dados: Medline via Pubmed (1974-2013), Cochrane Library (1990-2010), LILACS (1974-2013). A busca foi ajustada visando identificar os artigos que pesquisaram o mecanismo de ação e a analgesia pós-operatória da lidocaína intravenosa. Quanto à limitação do idioma, foram selecionados artigos nas línguas Portuguesa e Inglesa. Conclusão: A lidocaína intravenosa, pelo baixo custo, ação poupadora de opioides e mínimos efeitos colaterais, tem se mostrado adequada opção no tratamento da dor pós-operatória.

Background and objectives: Postoperative pain is foreseeable however it is still undermanaged. Multimodal management decreases side-effects and provides adequate pain control. Lidocaine, local anesthetic used for more than five decades, is being intravenously administered aiming at managing pain in different types of surgeries with promising results. This study aimed at reviewing the use of intravenous lidocaine to manage postoperative pain, and its action mechanism. Contents: This article addresses the use of intravenous lidocaine to manage postoperative pain, its action mechanism and its applicability for different types of surgeries. An active search was carried out in the following databases: Medline via Pubmed (1974-2013), Cochrane Library (1990-2010) and LILACS (1974-2013). Search was adjusted to identify articles addressing postoperative intravenous lidocaine action mechanism and postoperative analgesia. As to language, articles in Portuguese and English were selected. Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine, due to its low cost, opioid-sparing action and minimum side-effects is an adequate option to manage postoperative pain.

[The analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in the treatment of chronic pain: a literature review]. / A ação analgésica da lidocaína intravenosa no tratamento da dor crônica: uma revisão de literatura.

BACKGROUND: Pain is a public health problem, greatly impairing quality of life. Almost 80% of patients with chronic pain reported that their pain interferes with activities of daily living, and two thirds reported that the pain causes negative impact on their personal relationships. The physical and functional disability, whether temporary or permanent, compromises the professional activity and causes work absenteeism, increasing costs of health systems. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to analyze, based on the literature, the analgesic effect of lidocaine administered intravenously for the treatment of chronic pain and to evaluate the reduction of pain intensity in patients with chronic pain, focusing on musculoskeletal and neuropathic etiology. METHODOLOGY: The method used was a review of the literature, consisting in searching the scientific literature on the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine infusion in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. CONTENT: Of the 19 studies reviewed, 12 had results that confirm the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine in patients with chronic pain. Most authors used doses of 5mg/kg infused for 30minutes or more, producing significant analgesia with variable duration (minutes to weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature review, it is not possible to uniformly specify the most effective and safe dose of lidocaine administered intravenously for the treatment of neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain. As for effectiveness, the intravenous infusion of lidocaine as an alternative for the treatment of chronic pain of various etiologies seems very promising, but further studies need to be conducted.

Efecto de la lidocaína intravenosa sobre el control del dolor y el consumo de opiáceos en el postoperatorio / Effect of intravenous lidocaine on pain control and opioid postoperative

Objetivos: Estudiar el efecto de la lidocaína intravenosa (LIV) intraoperatoria sobre el dolor postoperatorio, el consumo de morfina y efectos secundarios. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, randomizado, controlado y doble ciego en 23 pacientes coordinadas para histerectomía abdominal con anestesia general. En el grupo LIV, 13 pacientes recibieron un bolo de lidocaína i/v de 1,5mg/kg previo a la incisión de piel, seguido de una infusión i/vde 1,5 mg/kg/hora hasta el cierre de piel. En el grupo control,10 pacientes recibieron suero fisiológico en similares condiciones. Resultados: El grupo LIV experimentó menos dolor por escala visual numérica (EVN) que el grupo control (p<0,05),al ingreso a recuperación (4,6±4,1 contra 7,9±2), a los 30 minutos (4,5±2,3 contra 6,5±1,1), y a las 24 horas (2,8±1,7 contra 4,8±2,1). El tiempo para lograr condiciones para iniciarla analgesia controlada por el paciente (EVN4) fue menor en el grupo LIV que en el grupo control (p<0,05), (62,3±25 contra 105±53,7 minutos). El consumo de morfina hasta lograr una EVN 4 fue menor en el grupo LIV que en el grupo control (p<0,05), (5,1±3,6 contra 9,6±2,5 mg). El consumo total de morfina en las primeras 24 horas fue menor en el grupo LIV que en el grupo control (p<0,05),21,8±12,2 contra 30,6±9,3 mg). La sedación así como la incidencia de nauseas y vómitos postoperatorios fue similar en ambos grupos.Conclusiones: Las pacientes que recibieron LIV experimentaron menos dolor y requirieron menos morfina en el postoperatorio. No se observaron otros efectos secundarios.

Efecto de la lidocaína intravenosa sobre el control del dolor y el consumo de opiáceos en el postoperatorio

RESUMEN Objetivos: estudiar el efecto de la lidocaína intravenosa (LIV) intraoperatoria sobre el dolor postoperatorio, el consumo de morfina y efectos secundarios. Método: se realizó un estudio prospectivo, randomizado, controlado y doble ciego en 23 pacientes coordinadas para histerectomía abdominal con anestesia general. En el grupo LIV, 13 pacientes recibieron un bolo de lidocaína i/v de 1,5 mg/kg previo a la incisión de piel, seguido de una infusión i/v de 1,5 mg/kg/hora hasta el cierre de piel. En el grupo control, diez pacientes recibieron suero fisiológico en similares condiciones. Resultados: el grupo LIV experimentó menos dolor por escala visual numérica (EVN) que el grupo control (p<0,05), al ingreso a recuperación (4,6±4,1 contra 7,9±2), a los 30 minutos (4,5±2,3 contra 6,5±1,1), y a las 24 horas (2,8±1,7 contra 4,8±2,1). El tiempo para lograr condiciones para iniciar la analgesia controlada por el paciente (EVN £4) fue menor en el grupo LIV que en el grupo control (p<0,05), (62,3±25 contra 105±53,7 minutos). El consumo de morfina hasta lograr una EVN £ 4 fue menor en el grupo LIV que en el grupo control (p<0,05), (5,1±3,6 contra 9,6±2,5 mg). El consumo total de morfina en las primeras 24 horas fue menor en el grupo LIV que en el grupo control (p<0,05, 21,8±12,2 contra 30,6±9,3 mg). La sedación así como la incidencia de náuseas y vómitos postoperatorios fue similar en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: las pacientes que recibieron LIV experimentaron menos dolor y requirieron menos morfina en el postoperatorio. No se observaron otros efectos secundarios.

SUMMARY Objectives: evaluate the effect of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine (IVL) on postoperative pain, morphine consumption and secondary effects. Methods: a prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-blind study in 23 patients scheduled for transabdominal hysterectomy with general anaesthesia was undertaken. In the IVL group 13 patients received a lidocaine i/v bolus of 1,5 mg/kg before skin incision, followed by continuous i/v infusion until skin closure was finished. In the control group 10 patients received matched saline infusion. Results: IVL group experienced less pain, evaluated by visual numeric scale (VNS), than the control group (p<0,05) at the time of been admitted at the postanesthesia care unit (4,6±4,1 versus 7,9±2), at the first 30 minutes (4,5± 2,3 versus 6,5±1,1), and 24 hours after surgery (2,8±1,7 versus 4,8±2,1). The time that took to have conditions to start PCA (VNS£ 4) was less in IVL group (p<0,05), (62,3±25 versus 105±53,7 minutes). Morphine consumption previous to obtain a VNS= 4 was less in IVL group (p<0,05), (5,1±3,6 versus 9,6±2,5 mg). The amount of morphine administered during the first 24 hours was less in the IVL group (p<0,05), 21,8±12,2 versus 30,6±9,3 mg). Sedation, nausea or vomiting was similar in both groups. Conclusions: patients who received IVL experienced better pain relief and reduced postoperative morphine consumption. No other side effects were noted.

RESUMO Objetivos: estudar o efeito da lidocaína endovenosa (LEV) intra-operatória sobre a dor pós-operatória, o consumo de morfina e efeitos secundários. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, controlado e duplo cego em 23 pacientes de cirurgias eletivas de histerectomia abdominal com anestesia geral. No grupo LEV, 13 pacientes receberam um bolus de lidocaína e/v e 1,5 mg/kg antes da incisão da pele, continuando com uma infusão e/v 1,5 mg/kg hora ate o fechamento da pele. No grupo controle, 10 pacientes receberam soro fisiológico em semelhantes condições. Resultados: o grupo LEV sentiu menos dor avaliada pela escala visual numérica (EVN) que o grupo controle (p<0,05), na entrada da sala de recuperação (4,6 ± 4,1 versus 7,9 ± 2), aos 30 minutos (4,5 ± 2,3 versus 6,5 ± 1,1), e as 24 horas (2,8 ± 1,7 versus 4,8 ± 2,1). O tempo para atingir condições de inicio da analgesia controlada pelo paciente (EVN £ 4) foi menor no grupo LEV que no grupo controle (p<0,05), (62,3 ± 25 versus 105 ± 53,7 minutos). O consumo de morfina para atingir um EVN £ 4 foi menor no grupo LEV que no grupo controle (p<0.05), (5,1 ± 3,6 versus 9,6 ± 2,5 mg). O consumo total de morfina nas primeiras 24 horas foi menor no grupo LEV que no grupo controle (p£0,05), (21,8 ± 12,2 versus 30,6 ± 9,6 mg). Tanto a sedação como a incidência de náuseas e vômitos pós-operatórios foi similar em ambos os grupos. Conclusões: os pacientes que receberam LEV tiveram menos dor e demandaram menos morfina no pós-operatório. Não se observaram outros efeitos secundários.