Effect of nebulised lignocaine on the quality of induction of anaesthesia in cigarette smokers

We have assessed the effect of nebulised lignocaine, given pre-operatively, upon the quality of induction of anaesthesia in cigarette smokers. Seventy-five patients were studied in a double-blind randomised fashion, receiving a nebuliser of either 4 ml 0.9% NaCl or 4 ml 4% lignocaine. All patients received a standardised anaesthetic consisting of thiopentone followed by progressive increments of enflurane. Thirty-three out of 38 patients (87%) who received nebulised lignocaine had induction without adverse events, compared with 25 out of 37 patients (68%) in the nebulised saline group (Chi-squared test p < 0.05). We conclude that the use of nebulised lignocaine, administered pre-operatively, improves the quality of induction of anaesthesia in cigarette smokers.