What anesthetic spray do you use (if any) for numbing the nasal passages when performing nasolaryngoscopy?
Our patients seem to hate the 20% benzocaine spray (cherry) saying that it burns and causes their eyes to water. Looking for other options.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I prefer a combination of an anesthetic mixed with a vasoconstrictor. For the anesthetic component, lidocaine with a potency of 2% or higher will suffice. Phenylephrine or oxymetazoline are the typically available drugs for opening the nasal passages. These can be compounded in a solution by the pha...
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Radiation Oncologist at Mayo Clinic Florida I agree with Dr. @Rao's insightful response. In th...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I’ve scoped myself and been scoped multiple times. I prefer lidocaine. Feels like a tonsil ball in the throat for about 20 minutes but preferable to no lidocaine.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
I MacGyver my own compound by adding 10 mL 2% lidocaine to a 30 mL OTC bottle of oxymetazoline. I extend the manufacturer's bottle tip by adding about 5 cm of the cut end of the smallest urinary (Foley) catheter. The catheter is disposable and I can clean the bottle for re-use.
This method ha...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I am in the minority at my institution on this, but I do not spray anything prior to FFN. Patients seem to find the spray quite unpleasant, and it doesn't seem to help much.
There is no need to anesthetize or decongest the entire sinonasal complex. I try to anesthetize and lubricate just the mucosa...
I agree with Dr. @Rao's insightful response. In th...