We have compared the effects of scalp infiltration with 0.5% lignocain
e, 0.5% lignocaine with adrenaline 1:200000, 0.9% saline and 0.9% sali
ne with adrenaline 1:200000, in a prospective, randomized double-blind
study. Direct arterial pressure, heart rate and bleeding at incision
were recorded in 80 patients undergoing craniotomy or craniectomy. Art
erial pressure decreased by more than 20% from preinfiltration values
in 40% of patients in the saline with adrenaline group, and in 55% of
patients in the lignocaine with adrenaline group. It did not decrease
in patients who did not receive adrenaline.