WALANT Surgery
Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet surgeries
WALANT surgeries are 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.
What types of surgery can be performed using the WALANT technique?
While WALANT isn't appropriate for every hand or wrist condition, it can be an excellent in-office surgical option for several common problems, including:
- Carpal tunnel release
- De Quervain’s release
- Removal of small cysts, masses or foreign bodies
- Trigger finger release
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