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Tetracaine topical anesthesia for myringotomy
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|September 25, 2001
Summary
Topical tetracaine anesthesia is effective and safe for office myringotomy procedures. This study found high success rates for tympanic membrane anesthesia in both myringotomy and myringotomy with tube insertion.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Office myringotomy is a common otologic procedure.
- Effective anesthesia is crucial for patient comfort and procedural success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tetracaine anesthesia.
- To assess its use in office myringotomy with and without tube insertion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 381 ears over a 4-year period.
- Application of 8% tetracaine base in 70% isopropyl alcohol to the tympanic membrane.
- Myringotomy performed with a knife or CO(2) laser.
Main Results:
- Topical tetracaine provided tympanic membrane anesthesia in 95% of myringotomies without tubes and 93% with tubes.
- Used in 100% of myringotomies without tubes and 71% with tubes.
- Six complications reported: five severe vertigo, one transient facial nerve weakness.
Conclusions:
- Topical tetracaine is an efficacious anesthetic for office myringotomy.
- The agent demonstrates a favorable safety profile for this procedure.