Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet: A Pilot Study for Carpal Tunnel Release in the Philippine Orthopedic Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (04) ◽  
pp. 389-391
Author(s):  
Ian Jason Castro Magtoto ◽  
David Limlingan Alagar
Keyword(s):  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Great Success ◽  
Intraoperative Bleeding ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

Background: Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) uses a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine for anesthesia and has found great success in hand surgery. At the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC), we still use local anesthesia along with a tourniquet which gives the patient pain and discomfort at the tourniquet site. This study aims to determine perioperative and post-operative pain, intraoperative bleeding and immediate clinical outcomes of patients using WALANT for surgical anesthesia for carpal tunnel release. Methods: A case series of all patients who underwent carpal tunnel release under WALANT from April 2016 to September 2016 is presented. Those with concomitant trigger finger and de quervain disease which required release on the affected hand were also included. A tourniquet was on standby in case of uncontrollable bleeding. Intraoperative bleeding, pain NRS scores, and return to daily activity were noted. Results: Thirteen patients were included in the study; 3 were male, 10 were female. Mean age was 58 years, Mean surgical time was 15 minutes. Twelve were reported to have “some bleeding” and one was reported to have “bleeding but was still manageable”. None of the surgeries were totally bloodless or had too much bleeding that necessitated a tourniquet. Pain NRS scores during injection of local anesthesia had a mean of 2. None of the patients felt pain during and immediately after the surgery. Average time return to daily activity was 6 days. No complications were noted. Conclusions: Patients included in the study who underwent carpal tunnel release under WALANT did not experience pain associated with a tourniquet. Visualization of the field was adequate enough for the surgeons to do the surgery without the need for a tourniquet and with no associated complications.

WALANT Technique versus Sedation for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110031
Author(s):  
Ian Wellington ◽  
Antonio Cusano ◽  
Joel V. Ferreira ◽  
Anthony Parrino
Keyword(s):  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Postanesthesia Care Unit ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Average Operating ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet ◽  
Room Time

Background This study sought to investigate complication rates/perioperative metrics after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (eCTR) via wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) versus sedation or local anesthesia with a tourniquet. Methods Patients aged 18 years or older who underwent an eCTR between April 28, 2018, and December 31, 2019, by 1 of 2 fellowship-trained surgeons at our single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: monitored anesthesia care with tourniquet (MT), local anesthesia with tourniquet (LT), and WALANT. Results Inclusion criteria were met by 156 cases; 53 (34%) were performed under MT, 25 (16%) under LT, and 78 (50%) under WALANT. The MT group (46.1 ± 9.7) was statistically younger compared with LT (56.3 ± 14.1, P = .007) and WALANT groups (53.5 ± 15.8, P = .008), F(2, 153) = 6.465, P = .002. Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet had decreased procedural times (10 minutes, SD: 2) compared with MT (11 minutes, SD: 2) and LT (11 minutes, SD: 2), F(2, 153) = 5.732, P = .004). Trends favored WALANT over MT and LT for average operating room time (20 minutes, SD: 3 vs 32 minutes, SD: 6 vs 23 minutes, SD: 3, respectively, F(2, 153) = 101.1, P < .001), postanesthesia care unit time (12 minutes, SD: 7 vs 1:12 minutes, SD: 26 vs 20 minutes, SD: 22, respectively, F(2, 153) =171.1, P < .001), and door-to-door time (1:37 minutes, SD: 21 vs 2:51 minutes, SD: 40 vs 1:46 minutes, SD: 33, respectively, F(2, 153) = 109.3, P < .001). There were no differences in complication rates. Conclusions Our data suggest favorable trends for patients undergoing eCTR via WALANT versus MT versus LT.

Complications After Clinic-Based Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Hand Surgery at a Single Private Practice

Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472097513
Author(s):  
Michael Reynolds ◽  
Ramesh C. Srinivasan ◽  
David W. Person
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Body ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Extensor Tendon ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Foreign Body Removal ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet ◽  
A1 Pulley

Background This study was designed to analyze the results of all wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) procedures performed on the hand and wrist at a single practice hand surgery practice with a focus on quantifying and qualifying complications. Methods This retrospective chart review included 424 patients who underwent WALANT hand procedures in the minor procedure room of our private practice between 2015 and 2017. Patients were divided into groups based on the type of procedure, including carpal tunnel release, A1 pulley release, first dorsal compartment release, extensor tendon repair, mass excision, and foreign body removal. Data pertaining to patient demographics and complications were recorded. Results The overall complication rate for all procedures was 2.8% for 424 patients: A1 pulley release (n = 314, 2.5%), first dorsal compartment release (n = 11, 9%), extensor tendon repairs (5.5%), and mass excision (4%). The carpal tunnel release and foreign body removal groups experienced no complications. No adverse events (arrhythmias, vasovagal, etc.) were observed during the use of the WALANT technique. Conclusions Clinic-based WALANT hand surgery procedures are equally safe compared to the same procedures performed in the operating room at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital.

Carpal Tunnel Release With Wide Awake Local Anesthesia and No Tourniquet: With Versus Without Epinephrine

Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 155894471989003
Author(s):  
Shafic Sraj
Keyword(s):  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Skin Closure ◽  
Surgical Time ◽  
Operative Complications ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

Background: Wide awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) relies on epinephrine to create a relatively bloodless field. This study evaluated the effect of epinephrine on carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgical time and bleeding, including the need for use of a tourniquet or electrocautery. The hypothesis was that wide awake anesthesia without epinephrine is a viable option for CTR but increases operative time. Methods: Records of all patients who underwent CTR under wide awake anesthesia between October 2017 and September 2018 were reviewed. The injection consisted of either 10 cc of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine mixed with 1 cc of sodium bicarbonate (8.4%) (WALANT group) or 10 cc of 1% lidocaine (wide awake local anesthesia, no tourniquet and no epinephrine [WALANE] group). The time between skin incision and skin closure was calculated. Tourniquet and electrocautery use as well as operative complications were documented. Results: Thirty-two patients underwent 43 CTRs; 22 CTRs were done under WALANT, and 21 CTRs were done under WALANE. The skin-skin time was 12.8 minute (6-25 minute; standard deviation [SD] = 4.7) for WALANT and 17.4 minute (9-30 minute; SD = 5.8) for WALANE. There was a significant statistical difference (36%) in skin-skin time between the 2 groups. None of the patients required electrocautery or a tourniquet. There were no operative complications. Conclusion: Operative time increased by 36% when epinephrine was not used. Epinephrine is not an absolute necessity to perform wide awake anesthesia but, at the same time, has the added value of decreasing surgical time. Level of evidence: IV

scholarly journals Effectiveness and Safety of Wide Awake Local Anesthesia no Tourniquet (WALANT) Technique in Hand Surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 3587-3591
Author(s):  
Mihaela Pertea ◽  
Oxana Madalina Grosu ◽  
Bogdan Veliceasa ◽  
Natalia Velenciuc ◽  
Petru Ciobanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Patient Comfort ◽  
Intraoperative Bleeding ◽  
Positive Direct ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

The aim of the study was to confirm the effectiveness and safety of wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique in hand surgery, to present our results and to encourage its use on Romania and all over the world. The study group consisted of 120 patients in which local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine and 1: 100,000 epinephrine solution was used. The conditions requiring surgery were Dupuytren disease (DD) stages II and III affecting one or two digital rays, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), trigger finger (TF), rupture of the flexor pollicis longus�(FPL) tendon. The amount of anesthetic used, onset time, intraoperative bleeding, surgeon�s comfort during surgery, patient�s comfort, operative time, the immediate postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated, correlations between these parameters being made with the help of SPSS 20.0 software using regressions (ANOVA), and taking into account Pearson correlation coefficients with statistical significance, alpha at most .05 and CI 95%. In the group of 120 operated patients (58 men - M and 62 female -F) (M/F ratio = 0.93), no cases of digital necrosis or other vascular complications were recorded. Also, the absence of tourniquets did not result in intraoperative bleeding causing discomfort to the surgeon. The amount of anesthetic varied, being less than that recommended in the literature in approximately 40% of the cases. In all cases, patient comfort and satisfaction were highest, and length of hospital stay was several hours. Phentolamine, an antidote used to reverse the effects of epinephrine, was not used in any case. The correlation coefficient between the amount of anesthetic and waiting time = 0.3372 (p = 0.0001) � positive, direct, moderate, and statistically significant correlation. The correlation coefficient between the amount of anesthetic and length of hospital stay = 0.2700 (p = 0.002) - positive, direct, weak and statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between age and length of hospital stay = 0.1361 (p = 0.1380) - positive, direct, weak correlation, but statistically insignificant. WALANT technique is safe and has many advantages: no need it is not necessary to use the tourniquet and intravenous sedation, surgeon and patient comfort is maximum, there is no risk of finger necrosis, intraoperative collaboration and last but not the least, hospital stay is short and costs are minimal.

Wide Awake Hand Surgery Under Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet in South America

Hand Clinics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro José Pires Neto ◽  
Samuel Ribak ◽  
Trajano Sardenberg
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

scholarly journals Positive patient experience of wide awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) hand surgery in the government setting: a prospective descriptive study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaco J Naude ◽  
Odette Koch ◽  
Ludwig W Schmidt ◽  
Theo LB le Roux
Keyword(s):  
Patient Experience ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Local Anaesthesia ◽  
Surgical Procedure ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Trigger Finger ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish a subjective patient experience with wide awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) procedures performed in the institution from May 2019 to March 2020. WALANT surgery was initiated to improve standard operating procedure and to decrease theatre burden METHODS: This prospective, descriptive study included 100 patients with a mean age of 59 years who required either a carpal tunnel or trigger finger release. The patients' pain experience was documented on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for the local anaesthetic injection and the surgical procedure. Overall experience was assessed on the patient's preference to have the procedure performed by the WALANT method or the conventional method RESULTS: One hundred patients were included, of which 67 had medical comorbidities. The mean VAS score was 1.5 (SD±1.6) with pain on injection. The mean VAS pain score during the surgical procedure was 0.2 (SD±0.7). One hundred per cent of patients (100/100) felt they would do the WALANT outpatient procedure again instead of admission to hospital and surgery in the theatre. Two complications occurred related to wound care problems, and were successfully managed. None of the patients required reoperations for incomplete release of the carpal tunnel or trigger finger surgery CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that minor hand surgery using the WALANT protocol can be performed effectively and with high patient satisfaction rates in the orthopaedic outpatient clinic, and is a useful tool in the skillset of a hand surgeon Level of evidence: Level 4 Keywords: WALANT, hand surgery, trigger finger, carpal tunnel release

scholarly journals Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) – a revolutionary improvement in hand surgery

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Cardell ◽  
F Jung ◽  
N Zechmann-Müller ◽  
M Greminger ◽  
L Kern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Patient Comfort ◽  
Injection Pain ◽  
Tendon Transfers ◽  
Fracture Stabilization ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

Abstract Objective Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) hand surgery offers the opportunity to create a bloodless field without using an arm tourniquet. Lidocaine for anesthesia mixed with epinephrine for hemostasis is frequently used without concerns in the hand and finger. This is a major improvement for the patient and the surgeon in terms of patient comfort and having the opportunity to test the hand and finger function intraoperatively. The movement away from tourniquet surgery, which often requires sedation or general anaesthesia is one of the most significant recent advances in hand surgery. Methods A subcutaneous infiltration of a mixture (1:100’000) of lidocaine (1%) and epinephrine (buffered 10:1 with 8.4% bicarbonate) is done with a 27 G canula. The mixture is infiltrated wherever surgical dissection, k-wire insertion, or manipulation of fractured bones will occur. The local anesthetic results in an extravascular Bier block. The injection is done slowly from proximal to distal to minimize injection pain. After the last injection a minimum time of 30 minutes should be waited for maximal epinephrine vasoconstriction in the finger. Results In the beginning WALANT was only used for small procedures like trigger finger or carpal tunnel release. Meanwhile also major hand surgical procedures like finger fractures, flexor tendon repairs, tendon transfers, arthroscopies, arthroplasties and open triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair are performed in WALANT. Even procedures like trapeziectomy have been described using wide awake hand surgery, which involves numbing the joint itself. Conclusion The use of WALANT is a proven safe technique that can be used in up to 95% of hand surgical procedures. The benefits for patients and surgeons are obvious. Patients prefer the technique because there are no side effects of opiates or sedation. The anesthetic risk is minimized. Time at hospital is reduced. Patients do not have to suffer tourniquet pain. Surgeons prefer the technique because of the bloodless surgical field without tourniquet, the possibility of intraoperative testing of stability of prosthesis or fracture stabilization, strength of a tendon repair, the movement and gliding properties in the flexor tendon sheath after repair or testing the tension of tendon transfers. These are probably the reasons for the continuously growing popularity of this technique worldwide.

scholarly journals Prospective Evaluation of Opioid Consumption Following Hand Surgery Performed Wide Awake Versus With Sedation

Hand ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 606-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Miller ◽  
Nayoung Kim ◽  
Asif M. Ilyas
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Hand Surgery ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Anesthesia Care ◽  
Prospective Evaluation ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Monitored Anesthesia Care ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Wide Awake ◽  
No Tourniquet

Background: We prospectively evaluated opioid consumption postoperatively following trigger finger release (TFR) and open carpal tunnel release (CTR), and hypothesized that cases performed wide awake with local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) would result in increased opioid consumption compared with cases performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Methods: Postoperative opioid consumption following CTR and TFR was prospectively collected over 6 months. The primary end points of the study were: (1) total opioid consumption; and (2) the number of days an opioid was used for both groups. Results: Mean opioid use and number of days the opioid was used for all MAC cases were 3.95 pills and 1.8 days, respectively. The results for WALANT were 3.85 pills and 1.6 days. Conclusions: These results suggest that effective pain control postoperatively may be independent of anesthesia type for soft tissue procedures of the hand. Specifically, average opioid consumption and days of utilization were similar in both the MAC and WALANT groups. Average postoperative opioid consumption was approximately only 4 opioid pills. Consideration should be given to prescribing fewer opioids for surgeries such as CTR and TFR.

scholarly journals Open Carpal Tunnel Release Outcomes: Performed Wide Awake versus with Sedation

2017 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 074-079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayoung Kim ◽  
Jack Abboudi ◽  
Christopher Jones ◽  
Frederic Liss ◽  
William Kirkpatrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Anesthesia ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Without Tourniquet ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Wide Awake

Background Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is the most common surgery of the hand, and interest is growing in performing it under local anesthesia without tourniquet. To better understand differences, we hypothesized that patients undergoing CTR under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) versus sedation (monitored anesthesia care [MAC]) would not result in a difference in outcome. Methods Consecutive cases of electrodiagnostically confirmed open CTR across multiple surgeons at a single center were prospectively enrolled. Data included demographic data, visual analog scale, Levine-Katz carpal tunnel syndrome scale, QuickDASH questionnaire, customized Likert questionnaire, and complications. Results There were 81 patients enrolled in the WALANT group and 149 patients in the MAC group. There were no reoperations in either group or any epinephrine-related complications in the WALANT group. Disability and symptom scores did not differ significantly between WALANT and sedation groups at 2 weeks or 3 months. Average postoperative QuickDASH, Levine-Katz, and VAS pain scales were the same in both groups. Both groups of patients reported high levels of satisfaction at 91 versus 96% for the WALANT versus MAC groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Patients in each group were likely to request similar anesthesia if they were to undergo surgery again. Conclusion Patients undergoing open CTR experienced similar levels of satisfaction and outcomes with either the WALANT or MAC techniques. There was no statistically significant difference between either group relative to the tested outcome measures. These data should facilitate surgeons and patients' choosing freely between WALANT and MAC techniques relative to complications and outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document