Xylometazoline pretreatment reduces nasotracheal intubation-related epistaxis in paediatric dental surgery.

BACKGROUND Epistaxis is the most common complication encountered during nasotracheal intubation (NTI) in children. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of prophylactic intranasal admixture of xylometazoline and local anaesthetic gel in reducing epistaxis after NTI in children. METHODS Children presenting for dental procedures requiring NTI were randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (xylometazoline group, n=53) and Group 2 (control group, n=51). After sevoflurane inhalation induction, the more patent nostril in each subject was lubricated with lidocaine 2% (1 ml) jelly, followed by 0.6 ml of either xylometazoline hydrochloride 0.1% nasal drops (Group 1) or sodium chloride 0.9% (Group 2). The presence and extent of bleeding occurring during intubation, extubation, or both and navigability through the nasal passage were assessed. RESULTS The incidence and severity of bleeding were significantly reduced between the study group (7.5%) compared with the control group (27.5%; P<0.01). Navigability was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Admixture of intranasal xylometazoline 0.1% drops and lidocaine 2% jelly reduced the incidence and severity of epistaxis after NTI in preschool children.