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Introduction: There has been an increase in the popularity of the wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet (WALANT) procedure for various upper limb surgeries. The present study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the satisfaction levels of 106 patients, considering factors such as age, gender, comorbidities, and the specific procedures they underwent. Method: The present study was a retrospective cohort study conducted to analyze the overall satisfaction of a cohort of 106 patients who underwent various surgical procedures of the hand between 2018 and 2023. The satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire comprising 13 questions/statements adjusted to a standard Swiss grading system (from 1 = I strongly agree to 6 = I strongly disagree). Results: Overall satisfaction with WALANT was high, with most patients expressing positive experiences. Patients with hypertension reported similar satisfaction levels compared to those without, while diabetic patients experienced significantly higher anxiety levels during the procedure (p > 0.05). Conclusion: WALANT exhibits versatility as an anesthesia choice, demonstrating efficacy in both routine and complex hand surgeries. Our survey-based study reveals a high satisfaction level across diverse procedures. When assessing the correlation between WALANT satisfaction and patient comorbidities, hypertension displayed no significant impact, while diabetic patients reported heightened anxiety. Importantly, patient satisfaction remained consistently high even within the subgroup with comorbidities. Our results underscore WALANT's reliability in upper limb surgery, showcasing its usefulness and positive outcomes across a broad range of patients and surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nipple hypertrophy is a common esthetic problem in Asian women. Many patients are uncomfortable and seek plastic surgeons for correction. Although several reduction methods have been published, the new nipple size is not always decided by patients under conventional anesthesia. We describe a novel cinnamon roll technique with wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) to decrease pain, provide a bloodless field and allow on-table discussion of the ideal nipple size during surgery. Methods: Between November 2015 and October 2022, fifteen patients with 30 nipples were enrolled. The patient's characteristic data, nipple height and width, and VAS while infiltration were recorded. Aesthetic results were evaluated by rating a satisfactory score from 0 to 10 at follow-up. Sensory recovery was also evaluated for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months sequentially after the surgery. Results: Before surgery, the mean diameter and height of the nipples were 13.2 ± 1.8 mm and 12 ± 2.2 mm, respectively. Immediately after surgery, the mean diameter and height of the nipples were 8.8 ± 1.2 mm and 8.7 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The mean VAS while infiltration was 1.3 ± 0.5 and the mean satisfactory score at the latest clinic follow-up was 9.3 ± 0.6. No complications such as nipple necrosis, infection, numbness or hypertrophic scar occurred. The mean clinical follow-up period was 3.4 months. Conclusions: Cinnamon roll technique with WALANT is a simple, safe and reliable method with short learning curve and high satisfaction. Our technique offers a chance for patients to control subjective pleasing size of their own nipples. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishing as a hobby is fairly popular among youth in hilly and mountainous areas of the world. Hence, injuries to extremities are also common by fishing equipment, especially in untrained people using indigenous equipment. The mechanism of injury is that of penetrating trauma. There is a paucity of literature regarding fishing equipment injury to extremities. In this article, we have presented a case series of fishing arrow injuries presented to us in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Most of these injuries were treated under the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique which has revolutionized the management of extremity injuries. Also, special precautions regarding the prevention of further tissue injury by arrow hooks while retrieving the arrows have been highlighted.

Introduction: Wide-awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) represents a revolutionary technique for hand surgeons who dismiss tourniquets and sedation. In this study, we present our experience with the WALANT technique in primary flexor tendon injuries of the hand. Patient and methods: This prospective research was carried out on 30 patients undergoing hand primary, flexor tendon repair surgery. Flexor tendon injury zones 2, 3, 4, and 5 were included. WALANT was prepared and injected. The tendons were surgically managed by a cruciate single cross-stitched locked 4-strand technique. The pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) score. The range of motion (ROM) of affected fingers was assessed according to the Strickland evaluation system. Results: There was a highly significant relationship between the patient's compliance with physiotherapy and obtained ROM of the affected finger with a P value

Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet is named the WALANT technique. WALANT has had a major positive impact on cost, convenience, ecology, patient satisfaction, access to surgical care, and outcomes in hand surgery in the last 20 years. Safe and efficient application of the technique is based on two principles. The first principle is the tumescent injection of a large volume low concentration 0.25–1% lidocaine, with 1:100 000–1:400 000 epinephrine. The second principle of WALANT is that the proper injection should be almost painless, with the patient only feeling the first needle poke of a tiny 30G needle. This wide awake patient approach reduces pain, neuropraxia, and systemic side effects of sedation with preservation of motor control, thereby aiding balanced reconstruction in hand surgery.

Fishing as a hobby is fairly popular among youth in hilly and mountainous areas of the world. Hence, injuries to extremities are also common by fishing equipment, especially in untrained people using indigenous equipment. The mechanism of injury is that of penetrating trauma. There is a paucity of literature regarding fishing equipment injury to extremities. In this article, we have presented a case series of fishing arrow injuries presented to us in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Most of these injuries were treated under the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique which has revolutionized the management of extremity injuries. Also, special precautions regarding the prevention of further tissue injury by arrow hooks while retrieving the arrows have been highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental sustainability is an important issue in health care because of large amounts of greenhouse gases attributable to hospitals. The operating room has been highlighted as one of the highest contributors, prompting several initiatives by organizations focused on the care of hand and upper extremity conditions. This study aimed to quantify and compare the carbon footprint of a common hand surgery in two different surgical settings, the procedure room (PR) and operating room. We hypothesized that open carpal tunnel release (oCTR) will generate a greater environmental impact in the operating room than in the PR. This was a retrospective review of oCTRs performed at a tertiary care medical center. Current procedural technology codes isolated a single cohort of patients who underwent bilateral oCTR, one side performed in the PR and the contralateral side in the operating room. Current published emission conversions were used to calculate carbon footprint at our institution based on energy expenditure necessary for the creation and disposal of waste and sterilization of surgical equipment. Surgery time was combined with heating, ventilation and air conditioning/lighting energy consumption to estimate facility emissions. Fourteen patients had bilateral oCTR surgery performed in both settings. Open CTR performed in the operating room generated 3.7 kg more solid waste than when performed in the PR. In total, emissions from oCTR performed in the operating room generated 32.4 kg CO 2 , whereas oCTR in the PR emitted 13.0 kg CO 2 per surgery. Performing a common hand procedure (oCTR) is more environmentally sustainable in the PR than in the operating room, with a 60% reduction in carbon footprint. Greater effort should be made to perform surgery in the PR instead of the operating room in appropriately indicated patients. Surgical sets should be evaluated for the necessity of included equipment and unnecessary waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Wide-Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT), a groundbreaking anaesthetic technique resurging in practice, warrants a comprehensive safety analysis for informed adoption. Our study aimed to identify complications/side effects of WALANT upper limb procedures through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This PROSPERO-registered study was performed with strict adherence to PRISMA guidelines. Embase, OVIDMedline, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched until February 2023. Inclusion criteria involved English articles, reporting complications/side effects in primary WALANT upper limb surgeries. Outcomes included all complications and side effects, data on the anaesthetic mixture, publication year/location, study type, and procedures performed. The meta-analysis employed the Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine Transformation, computed I2 statistics, and utilized common or random effects models for pooled analysis. Results: 2002 studies were identified; 79 studies met the inclusion criteria representing 15,595 WALANT patients. A total of 301 patients had complications, and the meta-analysis using a random effects model provided a complication rate of 1.7% (95% CI: 0.93–2.7%). The most reported complications were superficial infection (41%, n = 123/300), other/specified (12%, n = 37/300), and recurrent disease (6.7%, n = 20/300). A decade-by-decade analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in complication rates spanning the last three decades (p = 0.42). Adding sodium bicarbonate to the anaesthetic solution significantly reduced postoperative complications (p = 0.025). Conclusion: WALANT has a low overall complication rate of 1.7%, with no significant temporal variation and a significant reduction in complications when sodium bicarbonate is added to the anaesthetic solution. Our findings support the safety of WALANT in upper limb procedures. Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023404018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cost, efficiency, patient preference, and safety have driven utilization of wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) in hand surgery. This is not well documented in adolescents. We hypothesize that the use of WALANT with adolescents reduced time spent in the operating room (OR) and in the hospital when compared with patients who underwent surgery with traditional anesthesia (TA). Methods: After institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective review of patients aged 10 to 17 who underwent surgery at a regional hospital system including the level 1 pediatric trauma hospital. Operative notes were assessed for use of WALANT. We excluded those operations not traditionally amenable to WALANT. Using a propensity matched cohort, hospital time, OR time, and perioperative complications were recorded and compared to evaluate efficiency and perioperative safety. Results: There were 28 cases in the WALANT group and 28 cases in the TA group after excluding cases not amenable to WALANT, and cases were propensity matched. Although the operative time (incision to closure) was similar, for WALANT patients, the in-room to procedure time (15 vs 22 minutes), procedure end to out-room time (5 vs 10 minutes), total room time (52.81 vs 63.68), and length of hospital stay (222 vs 342 minutes) were shorter than patients in the TA group. Conclusion: Our case series demonstrates time-savings both in the OR and in the hospital overall. Avoiding TA when WALANT is feasible may result in significant savings to hospital systems, patients, and payers while also freeing up anesthesia staff and perioperative nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to assess the patient experience of trapeziectomy under WALANT for trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) in a prospective study with 2-year follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 23 patients with TMJ OA undergoing trapeziectomy with WALANT. All patients were seen by a hand therapist preoperatively and at 3, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. At each visit, VAS pain scores, thumb range of motion, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were assessed. The Picker Patient Experience (PPE-15) questionnaire was administered within 2 weeks of surgery. RESULTS All 23 patients completed the PPE-15 questionnaire. Their mean age was 64 years. The 21 patients who remained at the 24-month follow-up all said they would choose the same anaesthesia method again. At this follow-up, VAS pain scores, thumb range of motion, key pinch grip and DASH scores had improved significantly, while thumb opposition and hand grip strength remained largely unchanged. The majority of patients felt well informed before and during the procedure, and all patients rated pain relief as good or satisfactory. Nearly 40% of patients reported receiving inadequate information about the postoperative medications. DISCUSSION Patients have a positive attitude to trapeziectomy with WALANT, and seem to prefer WALANT over other methods of anaesthesia. Trapeziectomy with WALANT for TMJ OA is a safe procedure and appears to give a functional outcome similar to trapeziectomy under general anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS Trapeziectomy with WALANT for TMJ OA is safe, preferred by patients and has similar clinical outcome as trapeziectomy in general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique allows intraoperative motor assessment of tendon repair integrity of the hand compared with general anesthesia or brachial plexus block. No studies have tested the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine on the analgesic properties of the WALANT technique, which is the aim of our study. Methods A total of 128 patients aged more than 18 years were scheduled for surgical flexor tendon injury repair using WALANT technique. Patients were divided into two equal groups. Ultrasound-guided subcutaneous injection of lidocaine 1% with dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg), Group D, or without dexmedetomidine, Group C, was performed at four points: proximal to the wrist joint, the distal forearm, palm region, and proximal phalanges. The primary outcome was total morphine consumption throughout the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, time to first analgesic request, and pain score. Results Total morphine consumption was significantly (P

Background: The Dorsal Internal Brace reconstruction is designed to treat scapholunate ligament (SLL) instability. Wide awake surgery without a tourniquet allows the movement of the bones and thus the instability of the carpal bones to be actively visualized during surgery. Hypothesis: The aim of this prospective study is to analyze the feasibility of the Wide Awake Procedure (Walant) for this surgical technique, to assess the stability of the SLL in active motion and then to allow for an early rehabilitation protocol. Material: From January 2021 to December 2022, 6 adult patients with scapholunate instability stage 3 or 4 according to the Garcia Elias classification were included. Operating under Walant allowed the surgeon to confirm the dynamic instability in active movement per operation and at the end of the procedure to confirm the solidity of the suture without bone impingement. A splint was applied for 3 weeks and then the patients were asked to start rehabilitation. Results: Osteoporosis in a 60-year-old woman led to failure of the anchor implant. Reconstruction was successful in the other 5 patients. The QuickDASH score decreased from 34 to 9/100. Clinical and radiological examination (X-ray and ultrasound) before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively showed a continued good result. Discussion: This preliminary observational report is the first to investigate the feasibility of Walant for SLL repair. We conclude that this technique of anesthesia should be suggested to surgeons to evaluate SLL instability and its treatment. Level of evidence: IV.

Background: The Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique allows intraoperative motor assessment of tendon repair integrity of the hand compared with general anesthesia or brachial plexus block. No studies have tested the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to lidocaine on the analgesic properties of the WALANT technique, which is the aim of our study. Methods: A total of 128 patients aged more than 18 years were scheduled for surgical flexor tendon injury repair using WALANT technique. Patients were divided into two equal groups. Ultrasound-guided subcutaneous injection of lidocaine 1% with dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg), Group D, or without dexmedetomidine, Group C, was performed at four points: proximal to the wrist joint, the distal forearm, palm region, and proximal phalanges. The primary outcome was total morphine consumption throughout the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, time to first analgesic request, and pain score. Results: Total morphine consumption was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in group D (2.66 ± 0.998) than in group C (3.66 ± 1.144) mg. Number of patients requiring rescue analgesia was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in group D (54.7% (35)) than group C (100.0% (64)). The time for first request for analgesia was significantly (P < 0.001) longer in group D (11.31 ± 6.944) than in group C (5.91 ± 4.839) h. Pain score was significantly higher in group C than D at three (P < 0.001), and six (P = 0.001) hours (P = 0.001) postoperatively. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine significantly improves the analgesic quality of WALANT when added to lidocaine with less opioid consumption. Trial registration: (ID: PACTR202203906027106; Date: 31/07/2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the available literature on fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs) under wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet (WALANT), and to examine postoperative pain scores and functional outcomes, operative data including operative time and blood loss, and the frequency of adverse events. Methods: Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were searched from inception until May 2022 for relevant studies. Studies were screened in duplicate, and data on pain scores, functional outcomes, and adverse events were recorded. Due to methodological and statistical heterogeneity, the results are presented in a descriptive fashion. Results: Ten studies were included comprising 456 patients with closed, unilateral DRFs, of whom 226 underwent fixation under WALANT. These patients had a mean age of 52.8 ± 8.3 years, were 48% female, and had a mean follow-up time of 11.6 months (range: 6-24). Operative time for WALANT patients averaged 60.4 ± 6.5 minutes, with mean postoperative pain scores of 1.4 ± 0.6 on a 10-point scale. Studies that compared WALANT to general anesthesia found shorter hospital stays with most WALANT patients being sent home the same day, decreased postoperative pain scores, and decreased costs to the healthcare system. No adverse events were reported for WALANT patients. Conclusions: A growing body of literature reports that for closed, unilateral DRF, surgical fixation under WALANT is a safe and effective option. It allows patients to have surgery sooner, with improved pain scores and good functional outcomes, with a very low incidence of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-awake local anaesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) has been reported for upper extremity procedures of varying complexities ranging from simple tendon repairs to more complicated soft tissue and bony reconstructions. Hemihamate arthroplasty under WALANT has yet to be described in English literature. We report a case of a chronic dorsal PIPJ fracture-dislocation who underwent open reduction followed by Hemi-hamate Arthroplasty under wide-awake anaesthesia. There was adequate visualization during the surgery with no additional anaesthesia required. Active intraoperative range of motion and joint stability testing was possible with no pain experienced throughout the procedure. 10-month post-operative follow-up showed excellent range of motion with occasional tolerable pain during maximal finger flexion and power grip. Wide-awake anaesthesia is a viable and safe alternative for hemi-hamate arthroplasty.

Abstract Purpose The current study aimed to report on the safety and efficacy of utilizing a modified WALANT (mWALANT) technique during open surgical carpal tunnel release (CTR), where we used undiluted epinephrine compared to the originally described WALANT technique. Methods From January 2015 till the end of June 2021, 200 patients (175 (87.5%) were females) who presented with carpal tunnel syndrome, either bilateral (108 (54%) patients) or unilateral (92 (46%)) were included, formulating a total of 308 procedures. Open surgical CTR was performed as a daycare procedure by the same surgeon. The mWALANT injectable mixture was prepared by mixing 8 CC of 2% lidocaine HCl + 1 CC of 0.25 mg/1 ml epinephrine without dilution (2.5 times the concentration used in the original WALANT technique). The injection was performed before draping. Results The patients’ average age at surgery was 42.88 ± 13.03 years old; they were followed up for an average of 31 ± 17.17 months. The average operative time was 9.5 ± 1.87 min. None (0.0%) of the patients needed top-up of local anesthesia or shift into general anesthesia, and no (0.0%) patients needed postoperative hospital stay. The average VAS during the surgical procedure was 2.5 ± 2.1, mainly reported during infiltration of the local anesthesia; no patients reported discomfort during the surgical procedure itself. 180 (90%) patients reported a full return to their usual preoperative ADL after an average of 4.7 ± 1.2 weeks. No (0.0%) postoperative fingers ischemic or temperature changes. Two (1%) patients experienced an adrenaline rush in the form of tachycardia that needed sedation and close monitoring by the anesthesiologist; they were discharged on the same day. One (0.5%) patient (who had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) showed a superficial wound infection which resolved after conservative management. Conclusions Using undiluted epinephrine during the mWALANT technique is safe and effective. There is no need to wait until the drugs fully function, and no epinephrine-related complications were encountered apart from occasional adrenaline rush symptoms.

Abstract Background Distal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and balanced anesthesia (BA). Methods Ninety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received BA, comprised of multimodal pain control brachial plexus anesthesia with light general support. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0–10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals and mean ± standard deviation. Results The mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the BA group (63 ± 17 vs. 54 ± 17, P = 0.005), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the BA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 26/10/19, P = 0.009). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; − 8.0% [ − 15.7 to − 0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; − 9.1% [ − 17.0 to − 1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0–22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and BA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [ − 0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7 ± 2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2 ± 1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3 ± 2.8. Conclusion The reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and BA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative for DRF plating surgery in selected patients. Trial registration This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-E(I)-20210201).

Background: Nerve injuries are a common occurrence among hand injuries, which at the time of the COVID-19 emergency, did not appear to have reduced their incidence. The treatment of these injuries is urgent, but the pandemic has led to a reduction in the availability of resources and a consequent reorganization of activities. Principles about Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) in hand surgery expressed by LaLonde helped hand surgeons to adapt to this new condition by demonstrating a possible outpatient pathway for the treatment of hand traumatic conditions. In the present study, we bring our experience in nerve repair at time of COVID-19 emergency. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled in this study all patients surgically treated for a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) during the COVID-19 emergency period from March 2020 to March 2022. Demographical, anamnestic, surgical, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed. Persisting Tinel was set as the primary outcome, while hypoesthesia and other complications as secondary outcomes. Results: Thirty-six patients have been enrolled. Despite some difference in group homogeneity in term of hypertension and multi-digital involvement, we registered no difference in term of outcomes (P > 0.05) between patient operated in surgical theater and in outpatient clinic and between the various techniques of nerve repair employed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Nerve repair on an outpatient facility is technically feasible and was found in this study to be safe and effective. Compared to hospitalization, the outpatient setting has a more "agile" organization and lower costs, making it preferable in selected cases. Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: This is a local retrospective review on the outcomes of tenolysis after phalangeal fracture. Methods: The clinical outcome of nine patients (mean age 51.9 years) with finger fractures and subsequent tenolysis performed were reviewed. Range of motion was evaluated. Results: Extensor tenolysis, capsulotomy with or without flexor tenolysis was performed at a mean of 8.2 months after hand fracture with fracture fixation done. The total active motion (TAM) improved from 121° preoperatively to 173° postoperatively (p = 0.02). Significant improvement of motion was observed at the proximal interphalangeal joint (p = 0.012). All patient's range of motion improved after surgery. Conclusion: The gain of motion of 52° is comparable to other series. Release of all pathological anatomy and aggressive mobilization may improve the result further. Tenolysis can provide an encouraging improvement of active motion for stiff finger after phalangeal fractures. Recent results using WALANT technique showed satisfactory outcome. Future study on WALANT technique may further consolidate its potential benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In traditional local anaesthesia surgeries, tourniquets are used to reduce blood loss. However, it may induce tourniquet pain. If a long tourniquet time is anticipated, regional or general anaesthesia may be required. Wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) surgery suggests blood loss can be controlled by the use of adrenaline instead of a tourniquet. This study aims to investigate the difference in patient's pain perception, satisfaction and hemostasis control between two groups of patients, the WALANT group, who underwent WALANT surgery, and the traditional group, who underwent traditional local anaesthesia with tourniquet surgery. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients who underwent common orthopaedic local anaesthesia surgeries in a regional hospital between January 2020 and December 2020. Operations were performed by two groups of surgeons: WALANT group and traditional group. Data were collected via questionnaires which included patients' demographics, diagnosis and operation type, surgeon experience, dosage and type of local anaesthesia use, tourniquet use, operation time, hemostasis status, difficulty of operation, patient's pain perception (pain during LA injection, wound site pain during operation, tourniquet pain, post-operative pain) and satisfaction. The data were analysed by Mann–Whitney U test with SPSS. Results: A total of 143 questionnaires were collected. The WALANT group suffered from less wound site pain during operation (p = 0.008), less tourniquet pain (p < 0.001) and less post-operative pain (p < 0.001). WALANT group had a longer operation time (p = 0.002). Both the traditional group and WALANT group were commented to have good haemostasis with a median score of 1 and 2, respectively, although the difference in hemostasis control value was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: WALANT surgery was safe and could achieve similar hemostasis with no limitation of tourniquet time and could significantly reduce post-operative pain compared with traditional local anaesthesia with tourniquet use. Level of evidence: Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current study aimed to report on the safety and efficacy of utilizing a modified WALANT (mWALANT) technique during open surgical carpal tunnel release (CTR), where we used undiluted epinephrine compared to the originally described WALANT technique. Methods: From January 2015 till the end of June 2021, 200 patients (175 (87.5%) were females) who presented with carpal tunnel syndrome, either bilateral (108 (54%) patients) or unilateral (92 (46%)) were included, formulating a total of 308 procedures. Open surgical CTR was performed as a daycare procedure by the same surgeon. The mWALANT injectable mixture was prepared by mixing 8 CC of 2% lidocaine HCl + 1 CC of 0.25 mg/1 ml epinephrine without dilution (2.5 times the concentration used in the original WALANT technique). The injection was performed before draping. Results: The patients' average age at surgery was 42.88 ± 13.03 years old; they were followed up for an average of 31 ± 17.17 months. The average operative time was 9.5 ± 1.87 min. None (0.0%) of the patients needed top-up of local anesthesia or shift into general anesthesia, and no (0.0%) patients needed postoperative hospital stay. The average VAS during the surgical procedure was 2.5 ± 2.1, mainly reported during infiltration of the local anesthesia; no patients reported discomfort during the surgical procedure itself. 180 (90%) patients reported a full return to their usual preoperative ADL after an average of 4.7 ± 1.2 weeks. No (0.0%) postoperative fingers ischemic or temperature changes. Two (1%) patients experienced an adrenaline rush in the form of tachycardia that needed sedation and close monitoring by the anesthesiologist; they were discharged on the same day. One (0.5%) patient (who had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) showed a superficial wound infection which resolved after conservative management. Conclusions: Using undiluted epinephrine during the mWALANT technique is safe and effective. There is no need to wait until the drugs fully function, and no epinephrine-related complications were encountered apart from occasional adrenaline rush symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and balanced anesthesia (BA). Methods: Ninety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received BA, comprised of multimodal pain control brachial plexus anesthesia with light general support. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0–10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals and mean ± standard deviation. Results: The mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the BA group (63 ± 17 vs. 54 ± 17, P = 0.005), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the BA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 26/10/19, P = 0.009). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; − 8.0% [ − 15.7 to − 0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; − 9.1% [ − 17.0 to − 1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0–22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and BA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [ − 0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7 ± 2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2 ± 1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3 ± 2.8. Conclusion: The reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and BA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative for DRF plating surgery in selected patients. Trial registration This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-E(I)-20210201). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The branches of the supraclavicular nerve are often sacrificed during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle fracture. No consensus exists on whether the supraclavicular nerve should be routinely identified and protected during ORIF. Methods: We developed a simple method to make nerve sparing easier; Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) solution is locally injected prior to the surgical incision being made. This retrospective study enrolled 340 patients and divided them into supraclavicular-nerve-sparing (n = 45) and supraclavicular-nerve-sacrifice (n = 295) groups. Surgical outcomes—including operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain, union rate, time to union, functional score, paresthesia, complications, implant removal rate, and complication rate—were recorded. Results: Incisional or anterior chest wall numbness and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less (p < 0.001) in the nerve-sparing group. The operative time was similar in the two groups. No significant differences were discovered in QuickDASH score, postoperative pain score, union rate, time to union, implant removal rate, complication rate, or revision rate. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the outcomes of supraclavicular nerve sparing during ORIF with WALANT can reduce postoperative incisional and anterior chest wall numbness and intraoperative blood loss without increasing the operative time or complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The branches of the supraclavicular nerve are often sacrificed during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle fracture. No consensus exists on whether the supraclavicular nerve should be routinely identified and protected during ORIF. Methods We developed a simple method to make nerve sparing easier; Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) solution is locally injected prior to the surgical incision being made. This retrospective study enrolled 340 patients and divided them into supraclavicular-nerve-sparing (n = 45) and supraclavicular-nerve-sacrifice (n = 295) groups. Surgical outcomes—including operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain, union rate, time to union, functional score, paresthesia, complications, implant removal rate, and complication rate—were recorded. Results Incisional or anterior chest wall numbness and intraoperative blood loss were significantly less (p

Background: Wide-Awake Local Anaesthesia Without Tourniquet (WALANT), with the benefit of simplicity and a low complication rate, is a well-recognised procedure in orthopaedic surgery. To date, there is no report using WALANT technique with the Camitz transfer procedure. The aim of this study is to determine the early outcomes of using WALANT for Camitz transfer and compare these with outcomes of similar procedures in literature. Methods: Between January 2012 and January 2018, all patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with thenar muscle atrophy who underwent the Camitz transfer procedure as day surgery under the WALANT technique at the Thammasat University Hospital were included. With the WALANT technique, the 10 mL of prepared anaesthesia was injected into the area around the palmaris longus tendon from 5-cm proximal to the distal wrist crease to the distal palmar crease, while an additional 10 mL was injected from the radial side of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb to the distal wrist crease before the operation. Upon completion of the operation, the patients' hand was placed in a thumb spica splint. Patient demographic data, visual analogue scale (VAS) during injection and during procedure, operative time, blood lost and complications were recorded. Results: Thirty-six patients (8 males and 28 females) were included. The average age of the patients was 65.9 (37–87) years old. The average VAS score during the anaesthetic injection was 6.22 (5–8). The average VAS pain score during the operation was 0.52 (0–3). The average operative time was 27.06 (17–47) minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 3 (2.4–6.8) mL. All patients underwent the procedure without any complications. Conclusions: The WALANT technique is safe and can be used as alternative anaesthesia for the Camitz transfer. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study The aim of the study was to confirm the effectiveness and safety of wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique in hand surgery, as well as its necessity and importance during the COVID-19 pandemics. Material and methods A retrospective study was performed between March 2020 and September 2021 to evaluate advantages of WALANT, taking into consideration the rules imposed by the pandemic context. This study included 360 patients, treated for acute and chronic hand diseases. A statistical investigation was performed using SPSS 20.0 version software and applying the ANOVA regression, evaluating demographic, anatomical and surgical variables. Results: 234 males and 126 females, treated for acute hand trauma (metacarpal and phalanx fractures, tendon and nerves lesions) and chronic hand diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) dupuytren’s disease (DD), trigger finger (TF), soft tissue and bone tumors. The average patient waiting time from admission in the operating room was 13.95 minutes, while the mean time of onset of local anesthesia was 12.15 minutes. No complications such as distal digital bleeding, hematoma, the necessity of using the antidote, or necrosis occurred, the outcomes were very good and the patient satisfaction high. Conclusions: The WALANT technique can be considered the “gold standard” in hand surgery anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a correct and safe surgical treatment in the restrictive conditions imposed by the epidemiological context.

Background: The flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture following distal radius fractures is a known complication and reconstruction with interposition tendon graft achieved a good outcome. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the outcome of FPL tendon reconstruction using the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique. Methods: Seven patients with attritional FPL rupture were retrospectively analyzed between 2014 and 2021. All these patients had FPL reconstruction using palmaris longus interposition graft under WALANT. The patient demographics, Soong volar plate prominence classification, volar plate type, and functional outcome assessment were reviewed. Results: The FPL tendon rupture occurred at a mean of 1.1 years (range, 6 months −3 years) following volar plate fixation. The patients had T-buttress (n ​= ​6) and volar locking plates (n ​= ​1). The mean follow-up of our study was 16.5 months (range 12–19 months). The total interphalangeal joint movement, grip strength, pinch strength, and Kapandji score were significantly less than the uninjured hand (p ​

Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) is a technique that removes the requirement for operations to be performed with a tourniquet, general/regional anesthesia, sedation or an anesthetist. We reviewed the WALANT literature with respect to the diverse indications and impact of WALANT to discuss the importance of future surgical curriculum integration. With appropriate patient selection, WALANT may be used effectively in upper and lower limb surgery; it is also a useful option for patients who are unsuitable for general/regional anesthesia. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of WALANT in more complex operations in both upper and lower limb surgery. WALANT is a safe, effective, and simple technique associated with equivalent or superior patient pain scores among other numerous clinical and cost benefits. Cost benefits derive from reduced requirements for theater/anesthetic personnel, space, equipment, time, and inpatient stay. The lack of a requirement for general anesthesia reduces aerosol generating procedures, for example, intubation/high-flow oxygen, hence patients and staff also benefit from the reduced potential for infection transmission. WALANT provides a relatively, but not entirely, bloodless surgical field. Training requirements include the surgical indications, volume calculations, infiltration technique, appropriate perioperative patient/team member communication, and specifics of each operation that need to be considered, for example, checking of active tendon glide versus venting of flexor tendon pulleys. WALANT offers significant clinical, economic, and operative safety advantages when compared with general/regional anesthesia. Key challenges include careful patient selection and the comprehensive training of future surgeons to perform the technique safely.

The purpose of this study was to examine the true monetary implications, at the health system level, of moving simple hand procedures, performed with wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet surgery, from the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to office setting. We analyzed the costs, revenues, case times, and patient demographics for 2 cohorts of patients who underwent hand and non-hand surgical procedures over a 2-year period. We calculated the mean margin per minute for the top 5 procedures in non-hand orthopedic surgery subgroups, complex plastics hand, and non-hand plastic surgery. We then calculated the following: (1) hours operating room or ASC time gained by moving hand procedures to the office, (2) additional subgroup patients theoretically treated by using the ASC hours gained, and (3) net margin (in dollars) because of additional procedures. Six board-certified hand surgeons performed 623 simple ASC and 808 in-office procedures, consisting of 795 carpal tunnel releases, 84 first dorsal compartment releases, and 446 trigger finger releases. The net margin per minute for simple ASC and in-office hand procedures was $25.01/min and $5.63/min, respectively. In the office setting, hand surgery freed up 821 hours of ASC time, which could be theoretically used to treat over 300 additional patients awaiting outpatient orthopedic hand or plastic surgery. Depending on the subspecialty and type of substituted cases, the theoretical net margin varied from −$150,413 to $3.9 million. Transitioning simple hand operations out of ASCs realized a mean cost savings of 82% per case ($1,137 vs $206) and effectively opened 821 additional hours of operating room time over a 2-year period. Transitioning simple hand operations out of the operating room setting and into the office setting reduces the cost of hand surgical care, improves operating room access for alternate procedures or patients, and validates the sustainability of safe and effective wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet surgery from a hospital system's financial standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High infection rates have been reported in hand procedures using the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) method, causing some to question the validity of this approach. However, little evidence exists surrounding the direct use of WALANT compared with monitored anesthetic care (MAC). This study was conducted to directly compare the postoperative infection rates of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger (TF) release surgeries performed under WALANT and MAC. Methods: A retrospective study comparing postoperative infection rates between patients undergoing CTS and TR releases was conducted. Our primary outcome measure was postoperative infection. Our secondary outcome was postoperative complications. Comparative statistics were used to compare means of infection between the groups. Results: A total of 526 patients underwent CTS release (255 with WALANT and 271 with MAC), and 129 patients underwent TF release (64 with WALANT and 65 with MAC). Patients undergoing WALANT and MAC were statistically comparable in terms of sex, smoking status, diabetes, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification. In patients undergoing CTS release, there were no infections with WALANT and 6 infections (2.2%) with MAC. In patients undergoing TF release, there were no infections in either group. There were similar rates of complications in patients undergoing WALANT and MAC for CTS and TF releases. Conclusion: There was no increased risk of infection with WALANT compared with MAC in CTS or TR surgeries. These surgeries can be safely conducted with lidocaine and epinephrine without a concern for increased risk of infections or complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study sought to investigate complication rates/perioperative metrics after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (eCTR) via wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) versus sedation or local anesthesia with a tourniquet. Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older who underwent an eCTR between April 28, 2018, and December 31, 2019, by 1 of 2 fellowship-trained surgeons at our single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: monitored anesthesia care with tourniquet (MT), local anesthesia with tourniquet (LT), and WALANT. Results: Inclusion criteria were met by 156 cases; 53 (34%) were performed under MT, 25 (16%) under LT, and 78 (50%) under WALANT. The MT group (46.1 ± 9.7) was statistically younger compared with LT (56.3 ± 14.1, P =.007) and WALANT groups (53.5 ± 15.8, P =.008), F (2, 153) = 6.465, P =.002. Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet had decreased procedural times (10 minutes, SD: 2) compared with MT (11 minutes, SD: 2) and LT (11 minutes, SD: 2), F (2, 153) = 5.732, P =.004). Trends favored WALANT over MT and LT for average operating room time (20 minutes, SD: 3 vs 32 minutes, SD: 6 vs 23 minutes, SD: 3, respectively, F (2, 153) = 101.1, P <.001), postanesthesia care unit time (12 minutes, SD: 7 vs 1:12 minutes, SD: 26 vs 20 minutes, SD: 22, respectively, F (2, 153) =171.1, P <.001), and door-to-door time (1:37 minutes, SD: 21 vs 2:51 minutes, SD: 40 vs 1:46 minutes, SD: 33, respectively, F (2, 153) = 109.3, P <.001). There were no differences in complication rates. Conclusions: Our data suggest favorable trends for patients undergoing eCTR via WALANT versus MT versus LT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique is commonly used in elective hand surgery, whereas its application in plastic surgery is still limited. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of WALANT in common plastic surgery operations performed on the upper limbs. Methods: Patients who underwent those operations under WALANT were matched and compared with patients who had general or regional anesthesia without infiltration of a local anesthetic solution. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. Data from 98 operations were collected and analyzed for the total operation time, operation theatre time and complication and patient satisfaction rates. Results: All operations under WALANT, mainly skin tumor excision and flap repair or skin grafting and burn escharectomy with or without skin grafting, were completed successfully. No statistical difference in total operation time and complication rates was revealed. Statistical significance favoring WALANT was identified regarding the mean operation theatre time and patient satisfaction. Conclusions: WALANT is an effective method for common plastic surgery operations performed on the upper limbs that is associated with better operation theatre occupancy and high patient satisfaction rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El Síndrome de Linburg-Comstock se caracteriza por la incapacidad para flexionar activamente la articulación interfalángica del pulgar, sin, involuntariamente, flexionar también las articulaciones interfalángicas proximal y distal del índice, debido a conexiones tendinosas entre el tendón flexor largo del pulgar, o su vientre muscular, y los tendones flexores profundos de los dedos. Presentamos el caso de una policía con esta anomalía, a la que se le indicó baja laboral, y, posteriormente, fue reubicada, por su incapacidad para empuñar el arma reglamentaria, sin que la disparase involuntariamente. Hasta la fecha, no hemos encontrado ninguna publicación en el que el uso de la técnica de cirugía mediante anestesia local sin isquemia (WALANT) se haya utilizado como método quirúrgico en el Síndrome de Linburg-Comstock.

Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente que sufre una luxación volar de la articulación metacarpofalángica (MCF) del pulgar en la mano izquierda. Objetivamos la necesidad de reducción abierta dada la severa inestabilidad articular asociada, por la rotura del ligamento colateral cubital (LCC) y la interposición de partes blandas. Para la revisión quirúrgica utilizamos la técnica WALANT, técnica anestésica empleada en cirugías de miembro superior que está demostrando importantes ventajas respecto a las técnicas habituales.

Objetivo: Las cirugías con WALANT han ganado gran popularidad hoy en día. La ventaja principal que ofrece esta técnica es la de prescindir del torniquete y así eliminar las molestias que este genera. Nuestra hipótesis es que la descompresión del túnel carpiano con anestesia local y manguito neumático, realizada por un cirujano experimentado, en un tiempo quirúrgico corto, permite obtener similares resultados que con la cirugía con WALANT. Materiales y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de cohortes prospectivo comparativo clínico. Se incluyeron 23 pacientes (30 manos) con síndrome del túnel carpiano. Se asignó a los pacientes en forma aleatorizada, a 2 grupos: grupo 1, operados con anestesia local y grupo 2, operados con WALANT. Se realizó un análisis estadístico. Resultados: Todas las variables mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a los valores preoperatorios para los dos grupos. Respecto a la relación entre los dos grupos, los resultados funcionales de dolor y grado de satisfacción posoperatorios no mostraron diferencias con significancia estadística. Conclusiones: En nuestro estudio, la descompresión del túnel carpiano con anestesia local y torniquete y la realizada con WALANT arrojaron similares resultados. En cirujanos con experiencia posiblemente la anestesia local con torniquete sea suficiente para realizar el procedimiento, y así evitar las bajas, pero complejas complicaciones de la epinefrina.

Background: Flexor tendon injuries represent a significant per-centage of admissions in emergency departments in Egypt. A bloodless surgical field is important to perform a hand surgery. Traditionally, a tourniquet is used for hemostasis, and the standered anesthetic techniques utilized in hand surgery were general anesthesia, intravenous regional anesthesia, or brachial plexus block. Recently the evolving Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique where patient is operated on under local anesthesia and hemostasis is achieved via adrenaline could be a better choice. Aim of this work is to compare the intraoperative pain scores, induction time, operating time, blood loss, postoperative pain scores, and patient satisfaction with WALANT versus supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SC-BPB ) with tourniquet, in patients under-going flexor tendon repair. Patients and Methods: In the current study 52 patients who underwent flexor tendon intervention were divided randomly into two groups, each group consisting of 26 patients. Group A: Patients in this group received WALANT. Group B: Patients in this group received SC-BPB with a tourniquet applied to the arm. Results: Intraoperative Wong-Baker Faces scale revealed no statistically significant difference in intraoperative pain scores in both groups, except during injection (p = 0.04). Tourniquet-related pain was reported in 23% of patients of SC-BPB group (p = 0.001). Induction time was significantly shorter in WALANT (p < 0.01) but time needed to obtain sufficient hemostasis is sig-nificantly more in WALANT than SC-BPB (p < 0.01) while surgical time was similar in both groups (p = 0.538). Blood loss in spite of being minimal it was statistically significant higher in WALANT (p < 0.01). Conclusion: WALANT anesthesia was found to be better alter-native to SC-BPB in flexor tendon repair surgeries in adults being more simple technique and no need for special skills or ultrasound device, less time consumed in induction and less injection pain also no tourniquet-related pain, intraoperative active motion of the hand is preserved facilitating surgical technique, better effect on postoperative analgesia and more patient and surgeon satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-awake local anaesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) continues to gain popularity and has been adapted for various fracture fixations proximal to the hand. A case of olecranon tension band wiring with concomitant extensor tendon repair is presented. The procedure was done with the patient awake in a lateral decubitus position 30min after the injection of WALANT solution at the intended surgical sites. Pain and discomfort were felt by the patient towards the end of the procedure mainly on his volar forearm where the bolster was placed. Olecranon fixation under WALANT is a viable alternative for patients who prefer to be awake or those with contraindications to general or regional anaesthesia. Alternative patient positioning may be considered, and perioperative pain control should not be overlooked.

Abstract Background The WALANT (wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet) technique was based on local infiltration of lidocaine and epinephrine. This technique has rapidly gained popularity in recent years and can perform most hand operations. This study aimed to investigate the time spent on anesthesia and operation and perform an economic analysis among general anesthesia, wrist block with a tourniquet, and the WALANT technique for the internal fixation of metacarpal fractures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all the single metacarpal fractures managed with the same procedure, open reduction, and internal fixation with the plate between January 2015 and December 2019. They were divided into three groups according to the method of anesthesia: (1) general anesthesia (GA group), (2) wrist block with a tourniquet (WB group), and (3) WALANT technique (WALANT group). We collected and analyzed patient demographic data, perioperative or postoperative complications, number of hospital days, and postoperative functional recovery assessment. Results A total of 63 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 24 in the GA group, 28 in the wrist block group using a tourniquet, and 11 in the WALANT group. There were no complications during the operation and follow-up in each group. The GA group had an average of 32.8 min of anesthesia time, significantly longer than the other two groups. However, there is no significant difference regarding surgical time among the presenting three groups. The discomfort of vomiting and nausea after surgery occurred in 20 patients in the GA group (38.1%). Nevertheless, there was no postoperative vomiting and nausea present in both the WB and WALANT groups. Most patients achieved full recovery of pre-injury interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal motion at the final assessment of functional recovery. Conclusions The patients undergoing metacarpal fixation surgery under WALANT or WB had significantly less anesthesia time and postoperative vomiting and nausea. Moreover, there was no difference in surgical time and intraoperative complications. The time-related reduction improved the utilization of the operation room for additional cases. The reduction of the preoperative examination, anesthesia fee, postoperative recovery room observation, and hospitalization can effectively reduce medical costs. Furthermore, the WALANT group is more acceptable because of no tourniquet, which commonly causes discomfort.

Objetivo Desarrollar y valorar al año una vía clínica para procedimientos de cirugía de mano utilizando anestesia local sin torniquete y con el paciente despierto, denominada técnica WALANT (wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet, en inglés).

Background: This study was designed to analyze the results of all wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) procedures performed on the hand and wrist at a single practice hand surgery practice with a focus on quantifying and qualifying complications. Methods: This retrospective chart review included 424 patients who underwent WALANT hand procedures in the minor procedure room of our private practice between 2015 and 2017. Patients were divided into groups based on the type of procedure, including carpal tunnel release, A1 pulley release, first dorsal compartment release, extensor tendon repair, mass excision, and foreign body removal. Data pertaining to patient demographics and complications were recorded. Results: The overall complication rate for all procedures was 2.8% for 424 patients: A1 pulley release (n = 314, 2.5%), first dorsal compartment release (n = 11, 9%), extensor tendon repairs (5.5%), and mass excision (4%). The carpal tunnel release and foreign body removal groups experienced no complications. No adverse events (arrhythmias, vasovagal, etc.) were observed during the use of the WALANT technique. Conclusions: Clinic-based WALANT hand surgery procedures are equally safe compared to the same procedures performed in the operating room at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet (WALANT) is a technique that removes the requirement for operations to be performed with a tourniquet, general/regional anesthesia, sedation or an anesthetist. We reviewed the WALANT literature with respect to the diverse indications and impact of WALANT to discuss the importance of future surgical curriculum integration. With appropriate patient selection, WALANT may be used effectively in upper and lower limb surgery; it is also a useful option for patients who are unsuitable for general/regional anesthesia. There is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of WALANT in more complex operations in both upper and lower limb surgery. WALANT is a safe, effective, and simple technique associated with equivalent or superior patient pain scores among other numerous clinical and cost benefits. Cost benefits derive fromreduced requirements for theater/anesthetic personnel, space, equipment, time, and inpatient stay. The lack of a requirement for general anesthesia reduces aerosol generating procedures, for example, intubation/high-flowoxygen, hence patients and staff also benefit from the reduced potential for infection transmission. WALANT provides a relatively, but not entirely, bloodless surgical field. Training requirements include the surgical indications, volume calculations, infiltration technique, appropriate perioperative patient/team member communication, and specifics of each operation that need to be considered, for example, checking of active tendon glide versus venting of flexor tendon pulleys. WALANT offers significant clinical, economic, and operative safety advantages when compared with general/regional anesthesia. Key challenges include careful patient selection and the comprehensive training of future surgeons to perform the technique safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As surgical management of carpal tunnel release (CTR) becomes ever more common, extensive research has emerged to optimize the contextualization of this procedure. In particular, CTR under the wide-awake, local-anesthesia, no-tourniquet (WALANT) technique has emerged as a cost-effective, safe, and straightforward option for the millions who undergo this procedure worldwide. CTR under WALANT is associated with considerable cost savings and workflow efficiencies; it can be safely and effectively executed in an outpatient clinic under field sterility with less use of resources and production of waste, and it has consistently demonstrated standard or better post-operative pain control and satisfaction among patients. In this review of the literature, we describe the current findings on CTR using the WALANT technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tourniquets are commonly used in extremity surgery to help provide a bloodless operative field to improve visibility and reduce length of procedures. With the development of WALANT (wide awake, local anaesthetic, no tourniquet) techniques, many surgeons undertake surgery without tourniquet inflation. The correct technique of pneumatic tourniquet application is poorly understood by healthcare staff. The application of a tight tourniquet when applied for optional use or use for only a portion of a procedure, rather than for inflation throughout can cause venous engorgement of an extremity leading to increased blood loss and reduced operative field visualisation thereby discouraging surgeons from persevering with WALANT strategies., Aim: To determine the effect of tourniquet application tension on limb volume prior to skin incision., Methods: 30 volunteers had the volume of their non-dominant forearm measured post-inflation of a surgical tourniquet using two different application techniques. Tight application was defined as the tourniquet fastened using a dynamometer to a tension of 100 N. Loose application was defined as the tourniquet fastened using a dynamometer to a tension of 50 N. The tourniquet was then inflated to 200 mmHg after both application techniques. Exsanguination was performed by elevation of the arm for 1 min prior to tourniquet inflation. At 5 min the forearm volume was measured using a volume displacement technique., Results: 93 % of participants (28/30) had a higher volume of water displaced when the tourniquet was applied tightly. The mean difference between the loose and tight applications was 30.06 mls., Conclusion: The increase in volume in tightly applied tourniquets is believed to result from increased intravascular volume. This increase in blood volume can lead to increased intra-operative blood loss and poor intra-operative visualisation when operating without tourniquet inflation. Loose application of the tourniquet pre-inflation appears to prevent sequestration of venous blood in the limb, therefore decreasing operative blood loss and improving view for operating., Level of Evidence: Level 1; Symptom Prevalence Study., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: WALANT has gained much popularity in recent years, especially with COVID-19. However, a recent survey of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand membership (i.e. attendings/consultants) showed that only 17% were exposed to WALANT during residency or fellowship training. There is much interest in WALANT from trainees, but interpretation of the type and volume to be administered is highly varied. Methods: The aims of this study were (1) to survey a group of plastic surgery trainees in the UK about their knowledge of WALANT formulas, and (2) to compare trainee logbook records of WALANT procedures (if available) with published data from the UK. Results: All trainees were familiar with the 'standard' WALANT formula (1% lidocaine, 1:100,000 adrenaline ± 8.4% NaHCO 3 ) described by Lalonde. However, because of local formularies, rather than 1:100,000 adrenaline, all used 1:200,000 adrenaline as it comes premixed in the UK. Other formulas used by UK trainees included 0.5% bupivacaine + 1:200,000 adrenaline, and mixing 1% lidocaine + 1:200,000 adrenaline with 1% lidocaine 1:1. In comparing available trainee WALANT records with published UK data, the average volume of WALANT used was 6.6 mls in the current study versus 12.9 mls for similar procedures (wound debridement and skin closure ± local flap, digital nerve repair, fingertip reconstruction, thenar injuries, phalangeal fracture and single digit extensor repair); specifically, for single digit flexor tendon repairs, this was 10 mls versus 16.3 mls. Conclusions: While the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) have developed official guidance for the use of WALANT in the UK, it appears there remains much variation in interpretation and hence, application. Comparison of trainee logbook records of common hand surgery procedures suggests that most can be done with much less WALANT administered than previously reported, with safe and reproducible results. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

The use of wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) in free flap surgery has been limited and discouraged because of the concern that the adrenaline will cause vasoconstriction. We report our positive experience in free flap harvesting and transfer. Level of evidence: IV., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.