Timing of Lidocaine Spray for Upper Gastrointestinal System Endoscopy and Effect on Quality for Patients

Abstract

Background: During the esophagogastroduodenoscopy the comfort of both the patient and the doctor performing the endoscopy topical anesthetic are used. However some discomfort from the use of topical anesthetics to suppress the gag reflex may be observed. We aimed to compare the effects of local spray given immediately with that given in the endoscopy waiting room in terms of oropharynx anesthesia, gag reflex, amount of secretion, endoscopy duration, and quality of the procedure. Methods: The patients were devided into two groups; Group 1 was anesthetized with lidocaine spray (Zylocaine spray 10 %) immediately before the procedure; while Group 2 was anesthetized in the preparation room. The patients did not use any other drugs, i. e., anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, etc. Results: The patients were randomly sorted into two groups, with 65 in the first group and 69 in the second. There was no significant difference between Group 1 and 2 in terms of age, gender, or educational level. The amount of secretion in Group 1 was significantly less compared to Group 2.There was no significant difference in terms of endoscopy duration, gag reflex, throat pain scores and the quality of the procedure. Conclusion: We showed that oropharynx anesthesia with lidocaine immediately before the procedure causes an important reduction in the amount of secretion. In this way the endoscopy practitioner can see the stomach mucosa more clearly. For this reason lidocaine administration immediately before the procedure may be safely given to patients.