Intraoperative Intravenous Lidocaine for Pain After Laparoscopic Appendectomy

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated whether intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion improves postoperative analgesia and recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. The primary objective was to assess postoperative pain intensity and opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included postoperative nausea and vomiting, time to bowel function recovery, length of hospital stay, plasma lidocaine concentrations, and adverse events.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 45 years. * ASA physical status I or II. * Scheduled for laparoscopic appendectomy under general anesthesia. * Able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiac conduction disorders or documented arrhythmias. * Hepatic insufficiency. * Renal insufficiency. * Chronic or long-term opioid therapy. * Known or suspected hypersensitivity to amide-type local anesthetics. * Hemodynamic instability at the time of admission to the operating room. * Body mass index greater than 35 kg/m².