Local Anesthesia Versus Placebo in Flexible Nasopharyngo-laryngoscopy

Abstract

Background: The flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is the commonest procedure in both out patients and in patients for the diagnosis of diseases. Since this procedure is at best uncomfortable and at worst intolerable making the procedure difficult, so topical anesthesia is generally used prior the procedure. Objective: To analyze and compare the role of local anesthesia with placebo in flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. Materials and Methodology: A prospective, longitudinal and analytical study conducted among 84 patients required flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy dividing in two groups of 4% xylocaine and normal saline spray each. The questionnaires about nasal pain, throat discomfort, bad taste, feeling of nausea and overall discomfort were filled up by using numeric rating scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11.5 software. Results: Regarding the nasal pain, throat pain, feeling of nausea and overall discomfort, they were statistically not significant in both groups. Whereas the bad taste score was less in normal saline spray group as compared to 4% xylocaine spray group showing statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: Though we do use topical local anesthesia frequently for the flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, there is no such extra benefit as compared to normal saline spray. Keywords: Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, normal saline, topical anesthesia. Read more →