Does Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream (EMLA) Decrease the Pain of Neonatal Circumcision?

Abstract

EMLA cream reduces the pain experienced by newborns during circumcision compared with placebo. [Strength of recommendation: A, based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)]. However, dorsal penile nerve block and ring block are more effective than EMLA cream or placebo in reducing the pain response during circumcision. [Strength of recommendation: A, based on a single RCT.]