Related Experiment Videos
EMLA cream is an effective topical anesthetic for bronchoscopy
Benjamin Sohmer1, Gregory L Bryson, Steven Bencze
1Department of Anesthesiology, The Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K17 4E9 Canada. bensohmer@hotmail.com
Background:
EMLA cream (AstraZeneca Inc, Canada) (1:1 eutectic mixture of lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) has traditionally been used for topical anesthesia of the skin. Recent reports of EMLA's use for anesthesia of the oral mucosa suggest an application in topical anesthesia for bronchoscopy.
Objectives:
To evaluate the amount of local anesthetic administered during bronchoscopy; to assess the time required to obtain topical anesthesia; to assess the quality of the topical anesthesia as described by bronchoscopists; and to document any complications.
Methods:
Fifty-seven unpremedicated patients had 4 mL of EMLA cream applied to the posterior third of their tongues on arrival in the bronchoscopy suite. Liquid lidocaine was applied through the bronchoscope for laryngeal anesthesia.
Results:
The mean time from the application of EMLA cream to insertion of the bronchoscope was 5.10+/-0.48 min. Fifty-six patients (98.2%) required no supplemental anesthesia. Bronchoscopy conditions were described as 'excellent' in 55 cases (96.5%) and 'good' in the remaining two cases (3.5%).
Conclusions:
EMLA is an effective alternative for oropharyngeal topical anesthesia that is well-tolerated by patients.