Lidocaine iontophoresis for postmastectomy intercostobrachial neuralgia: single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AimThe aim was to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine iontophoresis for neuropathic pain management in intercostobrachial neuralgia after mastectomy.DesignA single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted.Patients and methodsA total of 40 patients with partial or radical mastectomy were randomly divided into two equal groups: group A (lidocaine iontophoresis) and group B (lidocaine patch). The methods of assessment included visual analog scale (VAS) and pain DETECT questionnaire. Group A received lidocaine iontophoresis day after day for 4 weeks. Group B received lidocaine 5% patch (LIDODERM) onto the painful area for 12 h daily. Treatment program extended for 1 month, whereas evaluation was done before and after treatment.ResultsThere was no significant difference between both groups in VAS (0.14) and pain DETECT questionnaire (0.32), before treatment. Comparison between groups after treatment revealed a significant reduction in VAS and pain DETECT questionnaire of group A compared with that of group B (P=0.0001). The percent of reduction in VAS of groups A and B was 86.47 and 61.11%, respectively, whereas the percent of reduction in pain DETECT questionnaire was 76 and 49.57%, respectively.ConclusionIt was concluded that lidocaine iontophoresis was safe and effective method for intercostobrachial neuralgia management after mastectomy in expression of decreasing pain intensity and quality.