[Local anesthetics and choice (5)]

The choice of local anesthetic should never be a routine matter but must be chosen as a result of a wide knowledge of the properties of the different local anesthetics. Detailed knowledge of the anatomical region to be treated and previous planning of the objectives to be achieved will serve as an indication for the most useful anesthetic solution in each case. Only a critical attitude will help us to choose--from the wide variety of drugs available--the most appropriate anesthetic according to the particular situation.