Nitrous oxide for applying local anesthesia in nasal operations: a randomized placebo-controlled single-blinded study

Abstract

Conclusions. In our study setting nitrous oxide (N₂O) did not show any clinical benefit in discomfort experienced when applying local anesthesia for nasal operations. Further studies with longer inhalation times are needed to elucidate the role of N₂O in application of local anesthesia in nasal surgery. Objectives. N₂O inhalation reduces the discomfort experienced in various medical procedures. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of N₂O inhalation before application of local anesthesia for nasal procedures in outpatient surgery. Patients and methods. This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group A inhaled 10 breaths of 50% N₂O/50% O₂ through a nasal mask with a Porter 2000 MXR scavenging system before application of local nasal anesthesia, group B inhaled room air through the same mask and group C received only local anesthesia. A visual analog scale was used to assess pain, nausea, and discomfort related to the application of nasal anesthesia. Results. The N₂O inhalation was easy to perform and well tolerated. The N₂O inhalation before applying local anesthesia for nasal operations did not show any significant additional benefit in reducing pain or discomfort.

• N2O inhalation
• local anesthesia
• nasal surgery