Outpatient myringotomy with EMLA anaesthesia

SummaryLocal anaesthesia of surface skin has been made more acceptable to patients by the introduction of an absorbable topical anaesthetic preparation which reduces the need for infiltration anaesthesia and has been shown to be significantly effective upon the tympanic membrane. This preparation, EMLA cream, was used as the basis for establishing an outpatient-based minor operating list for performing adult myringotomy and grommet insertion. The technique and procedure adopted proved to be convenient, highly effective and economical and completely obviated the need for general anaesthesia in suitable cases. This approach has resulted in a significantly improved utilization of valuable day-case surgical facilities and has become an established feature in this department.