Definition Topical anaesthesia is a method of pain control. The numbing medication or anaesthetic is placed directly on the surface to be treated. Topical numbing medication comes in many forms, including sprays, gels, gargles, and lozenges.
Who is a candidate for the procedure? Topical analgesics are used for a wide range of procedures. They can be used to numb the front of the eye, the inside of the nose, the throat, the skin, the ear, the anus, and the genital area.
How is the procedure performed? The type of topical anaesthesia applied varies, depending on the area of the body. Eye drops can be used to numb the front of the eye. Jellies are commonly used before endoscopy, a procedure in which a thin telescope is placed inside the body. This telescope allows a doctor to see the inside of the nose, throat, lungs, stomach, bladder, or other areas. Jelly can be applied or even put on the telescope so that areas are numbed during the procedure.
Sprays and creams are commonly used on the skin. Sprays or lozenges may be used for the throat and mouth areas.
After the area is numb from the medication, the procedure can begin. Procedures range from a routine eye exam to putting sutures in a cut. Topical anaesthesia is most useful for minor procedures. Major operations require more complete pain control and the person is usually put to sleep.
While sedatives may be given if needed, a person is usually awake during the procedure. The numbing effect usually wears off within an hour.
What happens right after the procedure? If no hospital stay is needed for recovery, a person can usually go home shortly after the procedure. If a sedative was used, an hour or two of monitoring may be needed. Someone else must drive the person home if a sedative was used. This is because sedatives can impair co-ordination and reflexes for several hours. Always check with your doctor after the procedure
What happens later at home? No home care is needed for topical anaesthesia. Further care may be needed as a result of the procedure that was done. The doctor will give these instructions.
What are the potential complications after the procedure? Topical anaesthesia has a very low risk of complications. Allergic reactions and skin rashes may occur. If too much medication is applied, it can get into the blood and cause seizures or arrhythmias. Most problems are related to the procedure, not the topical analgesia.
Author: Adam Brochert, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
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