Wide-Awake Anesthesia

By Dr. Garry Kitay

Use of Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia in Hand and Wrist Surgery

Preparing for a surgical procedure often creates significant anxiety for patients.  There are pre-operative tests that frequently need to be completed.  In addition, there are concerns related to general anesthesia and the operating room costs.  Multiple procedures can be performed without general anesthesia or even sedation.  The emergence of wide-awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT), has several advantages.  This procedure is very popular in Canada.  In other words, the need for pre-operative testing is nearly eliminated.  Finally, the WALANT technique has been shown to lead to significant savings in time and costs.

• Carpal Tunnel
• Finger joint replacements
• Ligament repair
• Dupuytren’s contracture release
• Osteotomy
• Fracture fixation
• Nerve procedures at the wrist or elbow

Procedures that use WALANT

The procedure begins by injecting lidocaine with epinephrine into the operative region.  Therefore, this limits bleeding and is safe and effective, including in the hand and fingers.  The procedure can be in the operating room, but in many instances in the clinic setting.  In multiple studies this leads to greater patient satisfaction and convenience. Watch this VIDEO on why hand pain can’t wait for care.

Benefits of Wide-Awake Anesthesia

• First, it helps patient recovery time
• Second, you can return to normal activities faster
• Third, patients feel normal immediately after the procedure
• Lastly, it eliminates intravenous injections

In conclusion, wide-awake anesthesia is a proven safe and effective means for hand or wrist surgeries.  There is no reason to live with hand and wrist pain.  Give us a call today!

By: Dr. Garry Kitay

Dr. Kitay is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand with a Certificate of Added Qualification in hand surgery.

Hand Pain Treatment in Jacksonville

The orthopedic hand physicians at JOI can help diagnose and treat your hand pain.  Your physician may order physical therapy or occupational therapy.  JOI Rehab has a skilled team of clinicians to treat your condition. Finally, for more information or to make an appointment call JOI-2000 or click below.  At JOI, our orthopedic physicians and JOI Rehab clinicians work together to obtain the best outcome for your condition.  In addition to our clinical staff, JOI Rehab employees the most Certified Hand Therapists in the region.  Finally, to schedule for physical or hand therapy, please call 904-858-7045.