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- Talk
- 15/09/2021
- Canada
Comparing Superficial vs. Deep Local Anesthetic Infiltration To Improve Patient Experience During Carpal Tunnel Release
Description
In a recent presentation, Kristi Bilard, a fourth-year resident at the University of Saskatchewan, introduced her research on enhancing patient experience during carpal tunnel release surgery through various local anesthetic techniques. The study, funded by the university's Department of Surgery, focuses on comparing superficial versus deep local anesthetic infiltration in patients undergoing this common procedure, which impacts approximately 10% of the general population due to the compression of the median nerve. Kristi acknowledged that while many patients may initially manage symptoms with non-operative measures, surgical intervention is often necessary.
The discussion highlighted a new approach called WALANT (Wide Awake, Local Anesthetic, No Tourniquet), which allows for reduced healthcare costs and promotes faster recovery since sedation is not required. Kristi compared two anesthetic techniques in a randomized clinical trial format with comprehensive patient assessments pre-and post-surgery, including pain levels during procedures and functional outcomes measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire.
The results indicated no significant difference in patient discomfort between the two techniques, although a slight trend suggested that superficially infiltrated patients reported less pain during the injection process. A key takeaway from the study was that both methods are effective, but the superficial technique posed less risk of nerve injury, thus making it the recommended choice for carpal tunnel release surgeries. Kristi concluded by thanking her colleagues and presenting her references, emphasizing the importance of improving patient comfort in surgical settings.