Assessing the outcomes, risks, and costs of local versus general anesthesia: A review with implications for cutaneous surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data providing direct comparison of outcomes, complications, and costs between general and local anesthesia in cutaneous surgery. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the literature from dermatologic and other specialties to compare outcomes, risks, and costs of general and local anesthesia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of case comparison studies from other specialties comparing outcomes, risks, and/or costs in local versus general anesthesia was performed. A review of the literature from dermatology and other specialties was included. RESULTS: A total of 51 studies were selected; 41 of them directly examined outcomes in procedures performed under local and general anesthesia, and none found a significant difference in outcomes. A total of 41 studies measured adverse effects. Of these, 15 studies (36.6%) report significantly better outcomes between the 2 techniques. Only 2 studies (4.9%) report significantly improved outcomes with use of general anesthesia; 15 of 36 studies (41.7%) report fewer adverse events in local anesthesia. Of the 13 studies that examined costs, all (100%) found significantly decreased costs with use of local anesthesia. LIMITATIONS: These data cannot be seamlessly applied to all cases of cutaneous surgery. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia techniques provide outcomes equal to or better than general anesthesia and with significantly lower costs.

A review of traditional and novel oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy for dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic surgeons will increasingly encounter patients on novel oral antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a complete overview of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and side effects of traditional and novel oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies along with dietary supplements with anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties. METHODS: A PubMed search was completed for "aspirin," "warfarin," "clopidogrel," "dabigatran," "rivaroxaban," "apixaban," "prasugrel," and "ticagrelor." Review articles and publications emphasizing perioperative management of oral anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications were selected. An additional PubMed search was completed for "hemorrhage," "bleeding," and "thrombosis" in conjunction with "dermatology," "dermatologic surgery," and "cutaneous surgery." RESULTS: Aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin have shortfalls in dosing, monitoring, and efficacy. Several trials show superior efficacy with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, with equal or reduced risk of bleeding compared with warfarin. Prasugrel and ticagrelor may be associated with an increased bleeding risk. Many over-the-counter medications also have anticoagulant properties with associated bleeding risks that cannot be overlooked. LIMITATIONS: There are few publications evaluating the novel oral anticoagulants' effects on outpatient surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Novel anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs are revolutionizing therapy for cardiovascular diseases. As these medications become more prevalent, dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons must be mindful of the bleeding risk that will apply in our everyday practices.