Hemodialysis needles can be pain free: use of a topical anaesthetic cream.

Many patients on hemodialysis experience pain and anxiety related to fistula punctures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of an anaesthetic (lidocaine/prilocaine) cream when used to alleviate pain from the insertion of hemodialysis needles. The study took place over a 12-month time frame with a total of seven patients participating in the study. Before the patient entered the study, an assessment was made by the nursing staff as to the degree of pain and/or anxiety experienced by the patient in relation to needling. Patients were instructed regarding application of the cream. We have found this cream to be an effective topical anaesthetic in preventing pain and alleviating anxiety associated with needling. All patients involved in the study have expressed the desire to continue use of the cream. Use of this topical anaesthetic could also have great ramifications for paediatric dialysis, venipunctures and other procedures requiring topical anaesthesia.