Which is Better? 10% Xylocaine Packing vs. 2% Lidocaine Local Injection for Myringotomy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Nujaree Maschunchai MD1, Surapol Suetrong MD1, Seksun Chainansamit MD1, Visutr Reechaipichitkul MD1, Pornthep Kasemsiri MD1, Patorn Piromchai MD1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the efficacy of a less invasive method of administering local anesthesia (10% lidocaine packing) against
the lidocaine local injection for pain control in myringotomy procedures.
Materials and Methods : The present study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Two local anesthetic procedures
were randomly assigned to patients aged over 18 years who required a myringotomy. The patients were given either a 10%
lidocaine-soaked cotton packing or a 2% lidocaine local injection. Pain scores during the anesthetic procedures, during the
myringotomy procedure, and immediately following the myringotomy procedure were evaluated and compared between
both groups.
Results : There were 20 patients who participated in this study, with 10 patients in each treatment arm. Baseline characteristics
of patients in both groups were comparable. The 10% lidocaine packing group had significantly lowered pain score during the
anesthetic procedure than did the 2% lidocaine group (0 vs. 7; p-value <0.001). There was no statistical difference in the other
two pain scores between the two groups.
Conclusion : The 10% lidocaine packing method is a better method than the 2% lidocaine injection for anesthesia during
myringotomy in terms of causing less pain during the anesthetic procedure.
Keywords : Anesthesia, Lidocaine, Local, Myringotomy, Topical
