What is WALANT Surgery?

WALANT Surgery (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet)

This is an anesthesia technique developed by hand surgeons in which minor surgeries and even some larger surgeries can be performed in the office procedure room without the need for an arm tourniquet or sedation. A medication called epinephrine is added to the local numbing to reduce bleeding. Because a tourniquet is not needed, IV sedation is not required (tourniquets can be very uncomfortable without IV sedation). Because IV sedation is not required, some procedures can be performed in the office procedure room without needing a full operating room and anesthesia team. It is important to understand that with WALANT surgery you are fully awake during the procedure, and while your surgeon will ensure that you are adequately numbed up, you may continue to feel pressure. Some patients choose to watch their surgery, while others simply look the other way.

Physician assesses the hand of a Walant Surgery patient.

What types of surgery can be performed using the WALANT technique?

Not all hand and wrist conditions can be treated with WALANT techniques, but here is a list of problems in which WALANT In-Office Surgery may be a good option:

Trigger Finger Release
De Quervain’s Release
Removal of foreign bodies or small cysts/masses
Carpal Tunnel Release

Ready to confirm a diagnosis and fix the problem or just want to learn more?

Our board-certified orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons Eric Angermeier, MD and Kyle Kokko, MD, PhD, are here to help! They can often diagnose the problem in one visit, and get you started with a treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of both nonoperative and operative treatment options.

Call today for a clinic or telehealth appointment! 854-429-4263