Local anesthetic systemic toxicity induced by penile nerve block: A systematic review
Miyeong Park1,2, Soo Hee Lee1,2, Ju-Tae Sohn3,4
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital 11, Samjeongja-ro, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea.
Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) from penile nerve blocks is often due to overdose or intravascular absorption, particularly in infants undergoing circumcision. Prompt recognition and treatment, including lipid emulsion, are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Toxicology
Background:
- Penile nerve blocks are common for urological surgery analgesia.
- Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) from penile blocks, though rare, can be fatal.
- A systematic review analyzing LAST cases from penile blocks was needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review case reports of LAST induced by penile nerve blocks.
- To identify presumed causes, implicated local anesthetics, and treatments like lipid emulsion.
Main Methods:
- PubMed search for case reports (inception-Dec 31, 2024) using relevant keywords.
- Systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Main Results:
- Eleven case reports (19 patients) identified; overdose/intravascular absorption were primary causes (47.4% each).
- Lidocaine and bupivacaine were frequently implicated; 89.5% of patients had LAST risk factors.
- Circumcision was the common procedure (84.2%); infants comprised 73.7% of cases; cardiovascular/CNS symptoms were most frequent.
Conclusions:
- LAST in infants undergoing penile nerve blocks for circumcision is linked to lidocaine overdose or bupivacaine absorption.
- Preventive measures include dose adherence, risk factor awareness, slow injection with aspiration, and lipid emulsion readiness.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...


