Variation in taste of topical lignocaine anaesthesia for gastroscopy

Abstract

Aim: To study the distribution and determinants of taste variation for lignocaiine spray (Xylocaine; Astra Pharmaceuticals, King's Langley, UK).

Methods: Sixty-nine patients (male:female 49:20, mean age 48.5 years) attending for open access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were studied. Taste perceived after applying 4 doses (40 mg) of lignocaine spray to the oro-pharynx was recorded prior to endoscopy.

Results: 37/69 (54%, 95% CI: 41-66%) perceived the taste of the lignocaine spray as bitter. whilst 24/69 (35%, 95% CI: 24-47%) and 6/69 (9%, 95% CI: 3-18%) perceived the taste as either fruity/sweet or tasteless. The variation in taste did not correlate with either demographic features or H. pylori inflection, but duodenal ulceration was slightly more common amongst bitter tasters.

Conclusion: The taste of lignocaine is not uniform, but the basis of this variability is uncertain.