Facial skin cancer surgery under local anesthesia

Rationale: In the last decade, the incidence of skin cancers has been increasing. Early diagnosis, treatment and prevention are crucial in helping to diminish the incidence, mortality and morbidity associated with skin cancers. Objective: This article presents arguments for and against local anesthesia in the treatment of skin cancers, including the clinical cases, a summary of treatment, and prognosis. Methods and results: Under local anesthesia, local and loco-regional flaps offer an optimal shape and volume for face reconstruction, minimizing the operative time and therefore the hospitalization. Facial skin cancer surgery under local anesthesia also contributes significantly to decreasing health care costs compared to general anesthesia. Discussions: Although in our practice, excision of skin tumors in the facial area under local anesthesia is a frequent and harmless surgical method, it can cause increased stress in some patients. However, the benefits are significantly greater than the disadvantages.