The WALANT technique has transformed hand surgery, making it safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly.
What is WALANT?
The WALANT technique involves the use of a local anesthetic solution, typically lidocaine with epinephrine, which numbs the surgical area and minimizes bleeding without the need for a tourniquet. This approach allows patients to remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure, eliminating the risks and side effects associated with general anesthesia.
Patient Comfort and Safety
Patients appreciate the comfort of avoiding general anesthesia, as they do not experience the common side effects such as nausea or prolonged drowsiness. This comfort level makes the recovery process smoother and faster, enabling most patients to return home shortly after their procedure. Fasting and altering medication use on the day of surgery are often unnecessary, pre-operative screenings can often be minimized and post-operative instructions can be reviewed in detail with your surgeon while your operation is performed.
Enhanced Surgical Accuracy
Because patients can move their fingers and provide feedback during the surgery, WALANT allows for precise adjustments in real time. This is particularly crucial in surgeries that involve intricate details like tendon repairs, where the outcome directly affects functional recovery.
Cost-Effectiveness
WALANT procedures are more economical, as they reduce the need for expensive anesthesia and shorten hospital stays. The technique also leads to a decrease in overall healthcare costs, benefiting both patients and facilities.
Common Procedures Using WALANT
Hand surgeons are now using WALANT for a wide range of procedures, highlighting its versatility and effectiveness. Common surgeries include:
Carpal Tunnel Release: This procedure alleviates pressure on the median nerve to relieve pain and numbness in the hand.
- Trigger Finger Release: WALANT is used to treat the locking or catching of a finger by releasing the affected tendon.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Surgery: This involves the release of the sheath that encases the tendons, easing wrist pain.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture Release: The technique is employed to remove or release the thickened tissue causing finger contraction.
- Tendon Repairs: WALANT allows for direct patient involvement, ensuring that the function is restored with precision.
The WALANT technique has transformed hand surgery, making it safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly. As we continue to refine and expand the use of this innovative approach, we are setting new standards in surgical care and patient satisfaction.
For patients contemplating hand surgery, WALANT offers a promising alternative that ensures minimal discomfort and a rapid return to daily activities. At Flagstaff Bone and Joint, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art care that places patient well-being at the forefront of what we do. FBN
Derek B. Smith, M.D.
Derek B. Smith, M.D., a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on hand, wrist and elbow surgery. He is welcoming patients to his Flagstaff and Cottonwood locations. He is renowned for his expertise in cutting-edge surgical techniques that promise superior patient outcomes.
For more details about Dr. Smith and the comprehensive services available at Flagstaff Bone and Joint, visit our website at www.flagstaffboneandjoint.com, call 928-773-2280 or text 928- 628-6391. Our committed team is here to assist you in achieving a swift recovery and a return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
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