Absorption of lignocaine through split-skin donor sites

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Surgical Pain Management

Background:

• Split-skin grafting donor sites are a source of significant postoperative pain.
• Effective topical analgesia is crucial for patient comfort and surgical outcomes.
• Lignocaine gel offers a potential non-invasive method for donor site pain control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical lignocaine gel for split-skin grafting donor sites.
• To determine serum lignocaine concentrations and assess for systemic toxicity.
• To assess the degree of analgesia achieved and monitor for adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen patients received 3 mg/kg of 1% sterile lignocaine gel applied to donor sites.
• Serial blood samples were analyzed for serum lignocaine concentration via high-performance liquid chromatography.
• Hemodynamic monitoring and postoperative evaluation for central nervous system effects and analgesia were performed.

Main Results:

• Serum lignocaine concentrations were consistently below levels associated with systemic toxicity.
• No adverse hemodynamic or central nervous system effects were observed.
• The degree of donor site analgesia, while subjectively assessed, appeared satisfactory.

Conclusions:

• Topical lignocaine gel (1%) is safe for split-skin grafting donor sites at the tested dosage.
• Systemic absorption of lignocaine is minimal, posing no significant toxicity risk.
• The gel provides effective analgesia, improving patient comfort during and after the procedure.