Pediatric Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No-Tourniquet Hand Surgery: A Practical Approach

Kailash Kapadia; Sejal Shah; Michael Gabriel Galvez

doi:10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.05.002

Pediatric Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No-Tourniquet Hand Surgery: A Practical Approach

J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2022 Jun 9;4(6):426-431. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.05.002. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Authors

Kailash Kapadia¹, Sejal Shah¹, Michael Gabriel Galvez²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ.
² Pediatric Hand and Upper Extremity, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, CA.

Abstract

Pediatric wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet technique (WALANT) hand surgery is feasible for the treatment of the spectrum of pediatric hand surgeries, which can include traumatic injuries and congenital hand differences. The key component for success is identifying the appropriate patient for this technique, with the typical patient frequently being >10 years of age. The discussion with the patient and adequate preparation for maximum efficiency become key for patient and surgeon comfort. Here we describe a practical approach for successfully performing this valuable technique for the pediatric population.

Keywords: Congenital hand differences; Pediatric hand fractures; Pediatric hand surgery; WALANT; Wide awake.