Are the lidocaine jelly application to chest tubes effective in relieving the postoperative pain after cardiac surgery?

This study examines whether applying lidocaine jelly (a numbing gel used by dentists and doctors) to the chest drain tubes that are inserted after heart surgery can reduce pain. After heart surgery, drainage tubes are placed in the chest to remove fluid; these tubes can be quite painful. The study measures whether lidocaine jelly reduces both the intensity and duration of this pain. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older - You are undergoing elective (planned) cardiac surgery You may NOT be eligible if: - You are having emergency surgery - You need a balloon pump or breathing machine (ECMO) during or after surgery - You need additional drainage tubes inserted after surgery - You have a history of severe kidney or liver disease - You have an allergy to local anaesthetic medications - You develop confusion or cognitive dysfunction after the operation Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.