EMLA cream is an effective topical anesthetic for bronchoscopy.
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.
Sohmer
Benjamin
B
Department of Anesthesiology, The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K17 4E9 Canada. bensohmer@hotmail.com
Bryson
Gregory L
GL
Bencze
Steven
S
Scharf
Maria Mouroukas
MM
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
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D009824:Ointments; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine