Intravenous lidocaine shows heterogeneous analgesic effects in laparoscopic bariatric surgery, with more consistent antiemetic and anti-inflammatory benefits when infusion is limited to the intraoperative period.
The review found that evidence for intravenous lidocaine in laparoscopic bariatric surgery is heterogeneous and depends on dosing strategy, infusion duration, and perioperative context. Its antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects may be more consistent than its analgesic benefit when infusion is limited to the intraoperative period.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Pharmacological Modulation of Perioperative Pain in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Evidence-Based Narrative Review of Intravenous Lidocaine, Dexmedetomidine, Opioid-Free and Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia, and ERAS-Based Protocols.
observationalZavaleta-Corvera C, Pachari EA, Espinoza-Portilla J, Farfán-Martinez W, Bolarte-Arteaga M · Anesthesiology research and practice (2026)
Result:
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠Heterogeneity in dosing strategies and infusion durations across studies
- ⚠Analgesic benefit appears dependent on perioperative context and may not be robust
Frequently Asked Questions
Is intravenous lidocaine effective for pain control in laparoscopic bariatric surgery?▼
The evidence is heterogeneous; its analgesic benefit is inconsistent, especially when infusion is limited to the intraoperative period, but it may have more consistent antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects.
What are the main benefits of intravenous lidocaine in this context?▼
The review suggests that antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects may be more reliable than direct pain relief, depending on dosing and infusion duration.
Does the duration of lidocaine infusion matter?▼
Yes, the analgesic benefit appears less consistent when infusion is limited to the intraoperative period, while antiemetic effects may still be observed.
Should intravenous lidocaine be used as a standalone intervention?▼
No, the review recommends that pharmacologic strategies like lidocaine be selectively integrated within high-adherence ERAS programs, not as universal standalone interventions.
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References
- 1.Zavaleta-Corvera C, Pachari EA, Espinoza-Portilla J, Farfán-Martinez W, Bolarte-Arteaga M. "Pharmacological Modulation of Perioperative Pain in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Evidence-Based Narrative Review of Intravenous Lidocaine, Dexmedetomidine, Opioid-Free and Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia, and ERAS-Based Protocols.." Anesthesiology research and practice, 2026. PMID: 42445132 DOI: 10.1155/anrp/6019290