Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion? A double-blind, randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy and safety of lidocaine nasal spray before nasogastric tube insertion in an emergency department.


METHODS
Double-blind, randomised controlled study.


METHODS
Emergency department of a major regional hospital in Hong Kong.


METHODS
A total of 206 adult patients, for whom nasogastric tube insertion was indicated.


METHODS
Primary outcome was discomfort gauged on a visual analogue scale, and Likert scale addressing difficulty of nasogastric tube insertion.


RESULTS
Compared with placebo spray use, lidocaine spray use was associated with less patient discomfort, and less difficulty in nasogastric tube insertion, both difference being statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Intranasal lidocaine spray before nasogastric tube insertion was safe and effective in reducing patient discomfort related to the procedure.
Chan
C P
CP
St Teresa's Hospital, Prince Edward Road, Hong Kong. cp.ccpz02@gmail.com
Lau
F L
FL
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine