Lidocaine spray vs tetracaine solution for transnasal fiber-optic laryngoscopy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lidocaine spray 10%, compared with tetracaine 2% solution, as a local anesthetic for patients undergoing transnasal fiber-optic laryngoscopy.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing transnasal fiber-optic laryngoscopy. Microsurgical sponges were applied in each side of the nose for 10 minutes before laryngoscopy. Patients were randomly classified into group A and group B, in which tetracaine 2% solution and lidocaine spray 10% were used, respectively. Patients were asked to evaluate the severity of pain during the procedure by a visual analog scale. Patients data, pain score, and potential complications were placed in a database and statistically assessed.


RESULTS
Our series consisted of 48 patients. Statistical analysis showed significant lower mean nasal discomfort score in favor of the tetracaine group (2.29 vs 3.04 [P < .001]). No tetracaine complications or side effects occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurosurgical sponge application of tetracaine 2% solution is an easy, safe, inexpensive, and effective analgesia for transnasal fiber-optic laryngoscopy.
Bourolias
Constantinos
C
Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Hospital of Crete, K. Palma 14, Chania, Crete, Greece. bourolias@altecnet.gr
Gkotsis
Antonios
A
Kontaxakis
Anastasios
A
Tsoukarelis
Panagiotis
P
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012996:Solutions; D015503:Surgical Sponges; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D012996:Solutions; D013748:Tetracaine; D008012:Lidocaine