Lidocaine necessary for lumbar puncture?

Lidocaine often messes up my landmarks for LP. Everything gets too squishy and I can't repalpalpate as well for spinous processes to make sure I'm dead center. What are your thoughts on Versed +/- Fentanyl and just using the spinal needle without local? Crazy? Cruel?

Source: Student Doctor Network - June 7, 2017 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Angry Birds Source Type: forums