“THE ROLE OF TOPICAL ANESTHESIA IN FLEXIBLE NASOFIBROLARYNGOSCOPY” IS IT NECESSARY?

The development of Otolaryngology in recent decades has been facilitated by the emergence of flexible nasofibrolaryngoscopy, which has become an essential diagnostic tool for the otolaryngologist. However, their use is not without discomfort to the patient, which is why various topical anesthesia options have been proposed for the development of the technique. Cocaine paste, Co-Phenylcaine forte, lidocaine, and others have been part of preparations proposed to decrease the degree of discomfort when making such exploration. However existing results in the literature differ on the need for its use. That is why in this article we attempt to review the existing scientific evidence at present regarding the use of topical anesthesia during flexible nasofibrolaryngoscopy.