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Flexible transnasal endoscopy: is local anaesthetic necessary?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

V. Singh*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK.
M. J. Brockbank
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK.
G. B. Todd
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr. Vijay Singh, F.R.C.S., Department of OtolaryngologyQueen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3LY.

Abstract

Prior to flexible transnasal endoscopy (FTE) topical intranasal agents such as cocaine or combinations of a local anaesthetic and vasoconstrictor agent are generally recommended for local anaesthesia, easier access, and better examination of the interior of the nose, especially the middle meatus. This double-blind study involved 60 patients. Each had five per cent cocaine sprayed in one nostril and normal saline in the other. The pain/discomfort and gag scores showed no statistical difference.

Forty-two (70 per cent) patients had a moderate/marked deviation of the nasal septum. A significant pain score (3–5) was obtained in 33.3 per cent of cases with the deviation towards the cocaine side and in 37 per cent of cases with the deviation towards the saline side. Ease of procedure scores for both sides were also comparable, when deviation of the nasal septum was taken into account.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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References

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