LOCAL-ANESTHESIA IN FLEXIBLE NASENDOSCOPY - A COMPARISON BETWEEN COCAINE AND CO-PHENYLCAINE

Flexible nasendoscopy is now an integral part of the diagnostic proces s in Otorhinolaryngology, Topical local anaesthesia is generally recom mended and cocaine is usually the drug of choice in view of its concur rent vasoconstrictor action. However, it is expensive. a controlled dr ug and serious side effects have been reported. Co-phenylcaine forte i s a new preparation which also has both local anaesthetic and vasocons trictor properties. This study compares the efficacy of cocaine and Co -phenylcaine in flexible nasendoscopy and concludes that they provide similar local anaesthesia and vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa. Co -phenylcaine forte can therefore be used as an alternative to cocaine in flexible nasendoscopy.