Is atomised intranasal cocaine systemically absorbed during endoscopic sinus surgery?

In order to perform endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) safely and efficiently, preparation of the nasal mucosa with vasoconstrictor agents is crucial to minimise bleeding. There is no single best method, although traditionally cocaine has been the agent of choice. However, there have been concerns over the potential for systemic side effects when applied topically. With this concern in mind, there exists limited contemporary research looking at cocaine absorption in the context of ESS. This study aims to determine the amount and duration of systemic cocaine absorption after intranasal atomised administration of modified Moffett’s solution prior to ESS.

Twelve adults undergoing ESS were enrolled. Modified Moffett's solution containing 100 mg cocaine hydrochloride and 1 mg of adrenaline was administered topically 5 minutes prior to surgery. Serum cocaine and the cocaine degradation product, benzoylecgonine, were measured at specific time points up to 12 hrs post administration.

Peak plasma cocaine concentration occurred between 60 and 120 minutes post-administration (range 13-31 micrograms/L). The mean peak plasma concentration was 20.35 micrograms/L occurring at 120 minutes post-administration. Benzoylecgonine was detected in 11 subjects at 60 minutes post-administration and in all subjects 12 hours post-administration of cocaine.

This study demonstrates that there are low levels of systemic absorption of cocaine when administered in an atomised modified Moffett’s formulation prior to endoscopic sinus surgery.