ABSTRACT
There is an ever-increasing number of methods to reduce ITs, and a Cochrane review found no high quality evidence for any one technique over another (1). All are performed in an appropriately informed, consented and anaesthetized patient positioned supine or in a beach chair position, head up, with a head ring for support. Topical nasal preparations such as Moffett’s solution (a variable mixture of cocaine, adrenaline, normal saline and sodium bicarbonate) or co-phenylcaine spray (5% lidocaine and 0.5% phenylephrine) may be instilled into the nose to improve the surgical field. A headlight may be worn by the surgeon or a rigid Hopkins rod used for endoscopic techniques. The patient’s eyes are taped closed. Skin preparation is not routinely used. The patient is draped with a head towel with the nose exposed.
