Percutaneous anaesthesia for taking split skin grafts

Two different compositions (A2174 and A2337) containing the local anaesthetic ketocaine have been used to bring about percutaneous anaesthesia for the taking of split skin grafts in a total of 50 patients. A2337 was superior to A2174 regarding effect. The necessary time of application using A2337 was determined and found to be approximately one hour. A2337 gave clinically acceptable anaesthesia in all cases (20 patients)- The healing of the skin transplant has been normal. Erythema and oedema at the site of application have been the only unintended effects. The results show that by using A2337, epicutaneous anaesthesia can be a clinically useful alternative to presently used forms of anaesthesia.