Evaluation of the efficacy of transcricoid lignocaine as adjunctive local anaesthesia for fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Optimisation of patient comfort during flexible bronchoscopy is achieved with the use of intravenous sedation and vocal anaesthesia.

METHODS: The effect of transcricoid lignocaine injection was investigated with regards to ease of procedure and frequency of cough. A single-blinded study was carried out and two visual analogue scales were used as markers of efficacy. Treatment groups were matched for age, gender and total dose of lignocaine administered.

RESULTS: The results highlighted a significant improvement in the perceived ease of procedure (p < 0.0001) and frequency of coughing during the procedure (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: The findings of the study demonstrate that the use of transcricoid injection of lignocaine provided a safe adjunct for anaesthesia in flexible bronchoscopy.