Topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine for gastroscopy: a double-blinded, randomized cross-over study in healthy volunteers

Abstract

Objectives

The benefits of topical pharyngeal anesthesia for gastroscopy remain under debate. Articaine, a local anesthetic with fast onset and offset of action as well as low systemic toxicity, could be a promising choice for topical anesthesia. The objective of this study was to assess whether topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine is beneficial in sedated gastroscopy.

Materials and methods

This randomized double-blinded cross-over study included nine volunteers who underwent two gastroscopies under conscious sedation. One was performed with topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine and the other with placebo. Hemodynamic parameters including autonomic nervous system state were recorded prior to and during the endoscopic procedure. The endoscopist and the volunteer assessed the endoscopy after the examination.

Results

Topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine resulted in less discomfort during esophageal intubation and higher patient satisfaction with the procedure. Topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine did not increase satisfaction or facilitate the procedure as rated by the endoscopist. There were no clinically relevant differences in hemodynamic parameters.

Conclusion

The use of articaine for topical pharyngeal anesthesia results in less intubation-related discomfort and better satisfaction.

Keywords:

• Topical pharyngeal anesthesia
• gastroscopy
• articaine
• autonomic nervous system state

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank associate professor Jorma Halttunen, professor Per Rosenberg, professor Martti Färkkilä and the late professor Markku Paloheimo for their contributions to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data underlying this article will be shared on reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.