New anaesthetic formulation for epicutaneous application tested for cutting split skin grafts

Ane-Pad (A 2358, Astra Lakemedel AB), a new local anesthetic formulation for application to the skin has been tested in the removal of split skin grafts. Ane-Pad is a thin cotton pad, containing a solution of 10% ketocaine base in a solvent mixture of isopropanol, glycerol and water. The pad has been used on the donor sites of 173 patients with a minimum application time of 1 h before surgery. Eighteen patients complained of slight, transient irritation immediately after application. After removal of the pad erythema was present in 39 patients and oedema in eight. In 157 patients (90.8%) analgesia was adequate. Two patients (1.1%) needed additional anaesthesia. The concentration of ketocaine in the blood was measured in 101 patients and did not exceed 850 ng ml--1. Therewere no systemic side-effects.