EMLA anaesthetic cream for sharp debridement of venous leg ulcers: A double-masked, placebo-controlled study

Objective: The aim of this double-masked, placebo-controlled trial was to c onfirm the anaesthetic effect of EMLA cream compared with placebo when used for sharp debridement of venous leg ulcers and to test its feasibility wit h respect to the usual procedure. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with venous ulcers were randomised to EMLA or placebo cream treatment for 30-45 min. Pain from debridement was e valuated by the patient on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and by the physician on a verbal scale. Results: The median VAS scores were 16.5 and 52 in EMLA- and placebo-treate d patients, respectively (p<0.00001), a clinically relevant difference. On the vertebral scale 61% of EMLA patients and 21% of placebo patients were p laced in the category of no pain (p<0.0001). The physicians found debrideme nt with EMLA easier to perform (p<0.01). Conclusion: Debridement of venous leg ulcers using topical anaesthesia is e asy and safe, with adequate pain relief in both in- and outpatients.