Could a simple painkiller prevent lung failure after emergency surgery?

This study tests whether giving a continuous 24-hour intravenous infusion of lidocaine (a common local anesthetic) can lower the risk of serious lung complications like pneumonia or the need for a breathing machine after emergency abdominal surgery for infection. About 428 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either lidocaine or a placebo drip. The goal is to see if this simple, low-cost approach can improve recovery and reduce hospital stays.