Double-blind comparison of lidocaine and etidocaine during continuous epidural anesthesia for vaginal delivery.

Etidocaine 0.5% plain, etidocaine 0.5% with epinephrine 1:200,000 and lidocaine 1% with epinephrine 1:200,000 were compared in a series of patients receiving epidural anesthesia for vaginal delivery. Results, based on data from 48 patients, showed a significant increase in the duration of action (P is less than .01%), the degree of sensory analgesia (P is less than .02%) and the degree of motor blockade (P is less than .01%) in the group that received etidocaine with epinephrine compared to the remaining groups. There were no significant differences in the duration of labor or the number of complications. It was concluded that etidocaine and lidocaine in the concentrations used were unsatisfactory for labor and delivery.