Lignocaine for Topical Anesthesia in Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy

Abstract

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy is widely employed by pulmonologists around the world and with safety in a broad spectrum of patients with a variety of clinical problems. Whether the bronchofiberscope is introduced transorally or transnasally, topical anesthesia is well tolerated. Cocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine, and lignocaine (lidocaine) can be equally effective, but lignocaine has the widest margin of safety and is most commonly used. Ease of administration and low toxicity permit effective diagnostic and therapeutic applications of this important procedure.