Is There Still a Place for Lidocaine in the (Postoperative) Management of Colics?

The research paper raises questions about the continued use of intravenous lidocaine in the management of postoperative colic in horses, due to the questionable efficacy and costs associated with the drug.

Research on Lidocaine

The research focuses primarily on intravenous lidocaine, a medication commonly used in postoperative care for horses. This particular method of application is widely used in an attempt to forestall or treat postoperative ileus in horses – a condition that prevents stomach contents and excessive gas from passing through the intestines. This often occurs after anesthesia or surgery.

• The current study under scrutiny posits that existing clinical studies that promote the use of lidocaine are flawed and have been contradicted by other studies. In other words, the research community is divided over whether lidocaine is effective in this context.
• One of the key points of contention raised in the paper is the potential importance of physical obstruction, which, according to the research, may play a larger role than postoperative ileus in causing postoperative reflux in horses.
• The reflux the authors are referring to often encompasses symptoms of colic, which involves abdominal discomfort or pain.

Effect of Lidocaine’s Anti-inflammatory Properties

Another point of focus in the research is the anti-inflammatory properties of lidocaine and their potential effectiveness in addressing the issues that arise from handling the intestines during surgery.

• Lidocaine is thought to possess anti-inflammatory attributes, but the research seems to question the significance of these properties in preventing or minimizing postoperative reflux.
• The paper suggests that the role of inflammation caused by the manipulation of the intestines during surgery, in inducing postoperative reflux, may not be as critical as previously thought.

Cost and Efficacy

One standout issue raised in the study is the cost-effectiveness of using lidocaine.

• Given the questionable efficacy of lidocaine in managing postoperative colic in horses, the authors highlight the cost as a potential issue.
• The paper recommends a well-designed clinical trial to establish the effectiveness of continued use of lidocaine in this context.
• Despite these concerns, it is suggested that lidocaine could potentially be applied to provide or improve analgesia in certain cases of postoperative colic.