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1 results

  • The use of lidocaine spray (Xylocaine) as a topical anaesthetic for minor ear procedures

  • G McNally, S Izzat
  • Journal:
    The Journal of Laryngology & Otology / Volume 136 / Issue 8 / August 2022
    Published online by Cambridge University Press:
    17 November 2021, pp. 734-736
    Print publication:
    August 2022
  • Background

    Injectable anaesthetic agents, topical creams and aqueous solutions have previously been used to anaesthetise the tympanic membrane for minor ear procedures. Topical creams take 20–30 minutes to work and injectable anaesthetics can cause canal swelling. The effectiveness of lidocaine spray has not previously been investigated in patients undergoing minor ear procedures.

    Methods

    Eighteen participants attending for out-patient grommet insertion or intratympanic steroid injection were prospectively recruited for this study over six months. Post-operatively, they were asked about their perceived level of pain and overall experience.

    Results

    The median level of pain measured on an 11-point visual analogue scale was 2 out of 10. Forty-four per cent reported the overall experience as pleasant, with the remainder selecting slightly unpleasant (66 per cent). All participants stated they would undergo the procedure again.

    Conclusion

    Xylocaine spray is simple to administer, rapid-acting and well tolerated by patients for anaesthesia of the tympanic membrane during minor ear procedures in the out-patient setting.