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CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Digital versus local anesthesia for finger lacerations: a randomized controlled trial
Stuart Chale1, Adam J Singer, Scott Marchini
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital and Medical Center, HSC L3-058, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8500, USA.
Summary
Digital and local anesthesia provide similar pain relief for finger lacerations following topical anesthetic application. This randomized trial found no significant differences in pain during needle insertion, anesthesia, or suturing between the two methods.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Anesthesiology
- Wound Care
Background:
- Finger lacerations are common in emergency departments.
- Effective pain management is crucial for patient comfort and procedural success.
- Comparing different local anesthesia techniques can optimize patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pain experienced during needle insertion, anesthesia, and suturing for finger lacerations.
- To evaluate the efficacy of digital versus local anesthesia after topical anesthetic application.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted in an academic emergency department.
- Patients with finger lacerations received topical lidocaine-epinephrine-tetracaine (LET) followed by randomized digital or local infiltration anesthesia.
- Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), with secondary outcomes including rescue anesthesia, time to anesthesia, infection, and numbness.
Main Results:
- Fifty-five patients were randomized; no significant differences in pain scores were observed between digital and local anesthesia groups for needle insertion, anesthetic infiltration, or suturing.
- Only one patient required rescue anesthesia.
- No wound infections or persistent numbness were reported in either group.
Conclusions:
- Digital and local anesthesia techniques provide comparable pain relief for finger lacerations when preceded by topical anesthetic application.
- Both methods are safe and effective, with similar outcomes regarding pain and complications.
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