Frontal Basal Cell Carcinoma Excision Under Regional Anesthesia Using Scalp Nerve Blocks: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Dermatologic Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Facial surgeries, especially in elderly or medically complex patients, pose significant anesthetic challenges.
• General anesthesia may carry increased risks for high-risk patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the anesthetic management of a high-risk patient undergoing facial surgery.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of regional anesthesia with scalp nerve blocks for forehead tumor excision.

Main Methods:

• A 70-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities underwent basal cell carcinoma excision.
• Regional anesthesia was achieved using bilateral supraorbital, supratrochlear, and zygomaticotemporal nerve blocks.
• Sedation was maintained with intravenous fentanyl and propofol.

Main Results:

• The surgical procedure was completed without any complications.
• Excellent analgesia and stable hemodynamics were maintained throughout the surgery.
• The patient tolerated the regional anesthesia and sedation well.

Conclusions:

• Scalp nerve blocks combined with sedation offer a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for forehead surgeries.
• This anesthetic technique is particularly beneficial for elderly or medically complex patients undergoing facial procedures.
• Regional anesthesia can provide adequate pain control and hemodynamic stability in high-risk surgical candidates.