title: EMLA cream is an effective topical anesthetic for bronchoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  EMLA cream (AstraZeneca Inc, Canada) (1:1 eutectic mixture of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) has traditionally been used for topical anesthesia of the skin. Recent reports of EMLA's use for anesthesia of the oral mucosa suggest an application in topical anesthesia for bronchoscopy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the amount of local anesthetic administered during bronchoscopy; to assess the time required to obtain topical anesthesia; to assess the quality of the topical anesthesia as described by bronchoscopists; and to document any complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-seven unpremedicated patients had 4 mL of EMLA cream applied to the posterior third of their tongues on arrival in the bronchoscopy suite. Liquid lidocaine was applied through the bronchoscope for laryngeal anesthesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean time from the application of EMLA cream to insertion of the bronchoscope was 5.10+/-0.48 min. Fifty-six patients (98.2%) required no supplemental anesthesia. Bronchoscopy conditions were described as 'excellent' in 55 cases (96.5%) and 'good' in the remaining two cases (3.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EMLA is an effective alternative for oropharyngeal topical anesthesia that is well-tolerated by patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K17 4E9 Canada. bensohmer@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sohmer
authors.forename: Gregory L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Bryson
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bencze
authors.forename: Maria Mouroukas
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Scharf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009824:Ointments; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine