The Role of Topical Anesthetics in the Treatment of Pediatric Facial Lacerations.
J Oral Maxillofac Surg
; 79(10): 2087-2090, 2021 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34153251
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Pediatric facial lacerations (PLACS) are a common emergency, often requiring a general anesthetic (GA) or sedation if infiltration of local anesthetic (LA) cannot be tolerated. Topical anesthetics are a well-established and accepted alternative to infiltrations for facial lacerations which can reduce the need for general anesthesia. We report our experience following the introduction of topical 5% cocaine w/v and 12000 adrenaline gel (TCA) in a single center.METHODS:
A secondary data analysis of 11 months attendances with PLACS following the introduction of TCA as part of a service improvement project.RESULTS:
Fifty-three patients had wounds suitable for use of TCA. Twenty-three patients were treated with TCA, 14 with TCA alone and 9 with top-up local anesthetic infiltration (TCA + LA). Fourteen patients were treated using LA alone and 16 underwent GA. No adverse reactions were recorded.CONCLUSION:
Topical anesthetics are a safe and effective alternative to infiltration of local anesthetic for PLACS and can be used to avoid the additional risks posed by sedation or GA. We recommend more departments introduce a topical anesthetic for this purpose.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Lacerations
/
Anesthetics, Local
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Oral Maxillofac Surg
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article