LIGNOCAINE WITH ADRENALINE - IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS COCAINE IN RHINOLOGICAL PRACTICE

This double-blind study compares the effectiveness of two local anaest hetics with vasoconstrictive activity (10% cocaine and 4% lignocaine w ith adrenaline 1:1000) used in the nose. Anterior rhinomanometry was u sed to assess changes in nasal mucosal blood volume from a reduction i n congestion of the nasal mucosa with a resulting reduction in nasal r esistance. Nasendoscopy was then performed and the degree of subjectiv e discomfort evaluated. Twenty patients presenting with nasal obstruct ion but without evidence of structural disease and nine healthy volunt eers were entered into the study. Each received 10% cocaine in one nos tril, and 4% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:1000)) in the other in a do uble-blind study. In all subjects, there was a significant reduction o f nasal resistance after the administration of both drugs (P < 0.005). The anaesthetic effects of both agents were comparable with subjects reporting only a mild discomfort during nasendoscopy. We conclude from this study that 4% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:1000) solution is as effective as 10% cocaine.