Could a common numbing drug replace opioids after cancer surgery?

This study tested whether giving the numbing drug lidocaine through a vein during and after ear, nose, and throat cancer surgery could lower the need for strong opioid painkillers and reduce long-term pain. 143 adults having major head and neck cancer surgery were randomly assigned to receive either lidocaine or a placebo. Researchers measured how much morphine patients needed in the first two days after surgery and checked for chronic pain 3 to 6 months later.