local anesthesia

Anesthesia, Local

Definition

Local or regional anesthesia involves the injection or application of an anesthetic drug to a specific area of the body, as opposed to the entire body and brain as occurs during general anesthesia.

Purpose

Local anesthetics are used to prevent patients from feeling pain during medical, surgical, or dental procedures. Over-the-counter local anesthetics are also available to provide temporary relief from pain, irritation, and itching caused by various conditions, such as cold sores, canker sores, sore throats, sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, and minor cuts and scratches.

Types of surgery or medical procedures that regularly make use of local or regional anesthesia include the following:

biopsies in which skin or tissue samples are taken for diagnostic procedures
childbirth
surgeries on the arms, hands, legs, or feet
eye surgery
surgeries involving the urinary tract or sexual organs

Surgeries involving the chest and abdomen are usually performed under general anesthesia.

Local and regional anesthesia have advantages over general anesthesia in that patients can avoid some unpleasant side effects, can receive longer lasting pain relief, have reduced blood loss, and maintain a sense of psychological comfort by not losing consciousness.

Description

Regional anesthesia typically affects a larger area than local anesthesia, for example, everything below the waist. As a result, regional anesthesia may be used for more involved or complicated surgical or medical procedures. Regional anesthetics are injected. Local anesthesia involves the injection into the skin or muscle or application to the skin of an anesthetic directly where pain will occur. Local anesthesia can be divided into four groups: injectable, topical, dental (noninjectable), and ophthalmic.

Local and regional anesthesia work by altering the flow of sodium molecules into nerve cells or neurons through the cell membrane. Exactly how the anesthetic does this is not understood, since the drug apparently does not bind to any receptor on the cell surface and does not seem to affect the release of chemicals that transmit nerve impulses (neurotransmitters) from the nerve cells. It is known, however, that when the sodium molecules do not get into the neurons, nerve impulses are not generated and pain impulses are not transmitted to the brain. The duration of action of an anesthetic depends on the type and amount of anesthetic administered.

Regional anesthesia

Types of regional anesthesia include:

Spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia involves the injection of a small amount of local anesthetic directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord (the subarachnoid space). Blood pressure drops are common but are easily treated.
Epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia involves the injection of a large volume of local anesthetic directly into the space surrounding the spinal fluid sac (the epidural space), not into the spinal fluid. Pain relief occurs more slowly but is less likely to produce blood pressure drops. Also, the block can be maintained for long periods, even days.
Nerve blocks. Nerve blocks involve the injection of an anesthetic into the area around a nerve that supplies a particular region of the body, preventing the nerve from carrying nerve impulses to the brain.

Anesthetics may be administered with another drug, such as epinephrine (adrenaline), which decreases bleeding, and sodium bicarbonate to decrease the acidity of a drug so that it will work faster. In addition, drugs may be administered to help a patient remain calm and more comfortable or to make them sleepy.

Key terms

Canker sore — A painful sore inside the mouth.

Cold sore — A small blister on the lips or face, caused by a virus. Also called a fever blister.

Epidural space — The space surrounding the spinal fluid sac.

Malignant hyperthermia — A type of reaction (probably with a genetic basis) that can occur during general anesthesia in which the patient experiences a high fever, the muscles become rigid, and the heart rate and blood pressure fluctuate.

Subarachnoid space — The space surrounding the spinal cord that is filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Topical — Not ingested; applied to the outside of the body, for example to the skin, eye, or mouth.

INJECTABLE LOCAL ANESTHETICS. These medicines are given by injection to numb and provide pain relief to some part of the body during surgery, dental procedures, or other medical procedures. They are given only by a trained health care professional and only in a doctor's office or a hospital. Some commonly used injectable local anesthetics are procaine (Novocain), lidocaine (Dalcaine, Dilocaine, L-Caine, Nervocaine, Xylocaine, and other brands), and tetracaine (Pontocaine).

TOPICAL ANESTHETICS. Topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine, lidocaine, dibucaine, pramoxine, butamben, and tetracaine, relieve pain and itching by deadening the nerve endings in the skin. They are ingredients in a variety of nonprescription products that are applied to the skin to relieve the discomfort of sunburn, insect bites or stings, poison ivy, and minor cuts, scratches, and burns. These products are sold as creams, ointments, sprays, lotions, and gels.

DENTAL ANESTHETICS (NON-INJECTABLE). Some local anesthetics are intended for pain relief in the mouth or throat. They may be used to relieve throat pain, teething pain, painful canker sores, toothaches, or discomfort from dentures, braces, or bridgework. Some dental anesthetics are available only with a doctor's prescription. Others may be purchased without a prescription, including products such as Num-Zit, Orajel, Chloraseptic lozenges, and Xylocaine.

OPHTHALMIC ANESTHETICS. Other local anesthetics are designed for use in the eye. The ophthalmic anesthetics proparacaine and tetracaine are used to numb the eye before certain eye examinations. Eye doctors may also use these medicines before measuring eye pressure or removing stitches or foreign objects from the eye. These drugs are to be given only by a trained health care professional.

Recommended dosage

The recommended dosage depends on the type of local anesthetic and the purpose for which it is being used. When using a nonprescription local anesthetic, follow the directions on the package. Questions concerning how to use a product should be referred to a medical doctor, dentist, or pharmacist.

Precautions

People who strongly feel that they cannot psychologically cope with being awake and alert during certain procedures may not be good candidates for local or regional anesthesia. Other medications may be given in conjunction with the anesthetic, however, to relieve anxiety and help the patient relax.

Local anesthetics should be used only for the conditions for which they are intended. For example, a topical anesthetic meant to relieve sunburn pain should not be used on cold sores. Anyone who has had an unusual reaction to any local anesthetic in the past should check with a doctor before using any type of local anesthetic again. The doctor should also be told about any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances.

Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of local anesthetics, especially lidocaine. This increased sensitivity may increase the risk of side effects. Older people who use nonprescription local anesthetics should be especially careful not to use more than the recommended amount. Children also may be especially sensitive to the effects of some local anesthetics, which may increase the chance of side effects. Anyone using these medicines on a child should be careful not to use more than the amount that is recommended for children. Certain types of local anesthetics should not be used at all young children. Follow package directions carefully and check with a doctor of pharmacist if there are any questions.

Regional anesthetics

Serious, possibly life-threatening, side effects may occur when anesthetics are given to people who use street drugs. Anyone who uses cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, phencyclidine (PCP, or angel dust), heroin, or other street drugs should make sure their doctor or dentist knows what they have used.

Patients who have had a particular kind of reaction called malignant hyperthermia (or who have one or more family members who have had this problem) during or just after receiving a general anesthetic should inform their doctors before receiving any kind of anesthetic. Signs of malignant hyperthermia include fast and irregular heartbeat, very high fever, breathing problems, and muscle spasms or tightness.

Although problems are rare, some unwanted side effects may occur when regional anesthetics are used during labor and delivery. These anesthetics can prolong labor and increase the risk of Cesarean section. Pregnant women should discuss with their doctors the risks and benefits of being given these drugs.

Patients should not drive or operate other machinery immediately following a procedure involving regional anesthesia, due to numbness and weakness, or if local anesthesia also included drugs to make the patient sleep or strong pain medications. Injection sites should be kept clean, dry, and uncovered to prevent infection.

Injectable local anesthetics

Until the anesthetic wears off, patients should be careful not to injure the numbed area. If the anesthetic was used in the mouth, do not eat or chew gum until feeling returns.

Topical anesthetics

Unless advised by a doctor, topical anesthetics should not be used on or near any part of the body with large sores, broken or scraped skin, severe injury, or infection. They should also not be used on large areas of skin. Some topical anesthetics contain alcohol and should not be used near an open flame, or while smoking.

Anyone using a topical anesthetic should be careful not to get this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. When using a spray form of this medication, do not spray it directly on the face, but apply it to the face with a cotton swab or sterile gauze pad. After using a topical anesthetic on a child, make sure the child does not get the medicine in his or her mouth.

Topical anesthetics are intended for the temporary relief of pain and itching. They should not be used for more than a few days at a time. Check with a doctor if:

the discomfort continues for more than seven days
the problem gets worse
the treated area becomes infected
new signs of irritation, such as skin rash, burning, stinging, or swelling appear

Dental anesthetics (non-injectable)

Dental anesthetics should not be used if certain kinds of infections are present. Check package directions or check with a dentist or medical doctor if uncertain. Dental anesthetics should be used only for temporary pain relief. If problems such as toothache, mouth sores, or pain from dentures or braces continue, check with a dentist. Check with a doctor if sore throat pain is severe, lasts more than two days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting.

Patients should not eat or chew gum while the mouth is numb from a dental anesthetic. There is a risk of accidently biting the tongue or the inside of the mouth. Also nothing should be eaten or drunk for one hour after applying a dental anesthetic to the back of the mouth or throat, since the medicine may interfere with swallowing and may cause choking. If normal feeling does not return to the mouth within a few hours after receiving a dental anesthetic or if it is difficult to open the mouth, check with a dentist.

Ophthalmic anesthetics

When anesthetics are used in the eye, it is important not to rub or wipe the eye until the effect of the anesthetic has worn off and feeling has returned. Rubbing the eye while it is numb could cause injury.

Side effects

Side effects of regional or local anesthetics vary depending on the type of anesthetic used and the way it is administered. Anyone who has unusual symptoms following the use of an anesthetic should get in touch with his or her doctor immediately.

There is a small risk of developing a severe headache called a spinal headache following a spinal or epidural block. This headache is severe when the patient is upright and hardly felt when the patient lies down. Though rare, it can occur and can be treated by performing a blood patch, in which a small amount of the patient's own blood is injected into the area in the back where the anesthetic was injected. The blood clots and closes up any area that may have been leaking spinal fluid. Relief is almost immediate. Finally, blood clots or abscess can form in the back, but these are also readily treatable and so pose little risk.

A physician should be notified immediately if any of these symptoms occur:

large swellings that look like hives on the skin, in the mouth, or in the throat
severe headache
blurred or double vision
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
confusion
anxiety, excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
convulsions (seizures)
feeling hot, cold, or numb
ringing or buzzing in the ears
shivering or trembling
sweating
pale skin
slow or irregular heartbeat
breathing problems
nusual weakness or tiredness

Interactions

Some anesthetic drugs may interact with other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who receives a regional or local anesthetic should let the doctor know all other drugs he or she is taking including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and street drugs (such as cocaine, marijuana, and heroin).

Resources

Books

Harvey, Richard A., et al., editors. "Anesthetics." In Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1992.

anesthesia /an·es·the·sia/ (an″es-the´zhah)

1. loss of sensation, usually by damage to a nerve or receptor.

2. loss of the ability to feel pain, caused by administration of a drug or other medical intervention.

basal anesthesia narcosis produced by preliminary medication so that the inhalation of anesthetic necessary to produce surgical anesthesia is greatly reduced.

block anesthesia regional a.

bulbar anesthesia that due to a lesion of the pons.

caudal anesthesia see under block.

closed circuit anesthesia that produced by continuous rebreathing of a small amount of anesthetic gas in a closed system with an apparatus for removing carbon dioxide.

crossed anesthesia see under hemianesthesia.

anesthesia doloro´sa pain in an area or region that is anesthetic.

electric anesthesia that induced by passage of an electric current.

endotracheal anesthesia that produced by introduction of a gaseous mixture through a tube inserted into the trachea.

epidural anesthesia that produced by injection of the anesthetic into the extradural space, either between the vertebral spines or into the sacral hiatus (caudal block).

general anesthesia a state of unconsciousness and insusceptibility to pain, produced by administration of anesthetic agents by inhalation, intravenously, intramuscularly, rectally, or via the gastrointestinal tract.

infiltration anesthesia local anesthesia produced by injection of the anesthetic solution in the area of terminal nerve endings.

inhalation anesthesia that produced by the inhalation of vapors of a volatile liquid or gaseous anesthetic agent.

insufflation anesthesia that produced by blowing a mixture of gases or vapors into the respiratory tract through a tube.

local anesthesia that produced in a limited area, as by injection of a local anesthetic or by freezing with ethyl chloride.

lumbar epidural anesthesia that produced by injection of the anesthetic into the epidural space at the second or third lumbar interspace.

muscular anesthesia loss or lack of muscle sense.

open anesthesia general inhalation anesthesia using a cone, without significant rebreathing of exhaled gases.

peripheral anesthesia that due to changes in the peripheral nerves.

regional anesthesia insensibility of a part induced by interrupting the sensory nerve conductivity of that region of the body; it may be produced by either field block or nerve block (see under block ).

sacral anesthesia spinal anesthesia by injection of anesthetic into the sacral canal and about the sacral nerves.

saddle block anesthesia see under block.

spinal anesthesia

1. regional anesthesia by injection of a local anesthetic into the subarachnoid space around the spinal cord.

2. loss of sensation due to a spinal lesion.

surgical anesthesia that degree of anesthesia at which operation may safely be performed.

tactile anesthesia loss or impairment of the sense of touch.

topical anesthesia that produced by application of a local anesthetic directly to the area involved, as to the oral mucosa or the cornea.

transsacral anesthesia sacral a.

local anesthesia

Regional anesthesia produced by direct infiltration of local anesthetic solution into the surgical site. Also called infiltration anesthesia.

local anesthesia,

the infiltration of a local anesthetic medication to induce the absence of sensation into a small area of the body. Brief surgical or dental procedures are the most common indications to avoid general anesthesia. The anesthetic may be applied topically to the surface of the skin or membrane or injected subcutaneously or intradermally. Advantages include low cost, ease of administration, low toxicity, and rapid recovery. A conscious patient can cooperate and does not require respiratory support or intubation. In all cases, the recommended dosage of any agent is the smallest possible to achieve the desired effect because toxicity is directly related to the total amount of drug given. Each local anesthetic agent also has a recommended maximum allowable dose that is not safely exceeded. Compare general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, topical anesthesia. See also anesthesia.

anesthesia (an´esthē´zē

, an´esthē´zh

n the loss of feeling or sensation, especially loss of tactile sensibility, with or without loss of consciousness, resulting from the use of certain drugs or gases that serve as inhibitory neurotransmitters.

anesthesia, basal,

n a state of narcosis, induced before the administration of a general anesthetic, that permits the production of states of surgical anesthesia with greatly reduced amounts of general anesthetic agents.

anesthesia, block,

n a local anesthesia induced by injecting the local anesthetic drug close to the nerve trunk, at some distance from the operative field. See also anesthesia, infiltration, and block.

anesthesia, conduction,

n a local anesthesia induced by injecting the local anesthetic agent close to the nerve trunk, at some distance from the operative field.

anesthesia, general,

n an irregular, reversible depression of the cells of the higher centers of the central nervous system that makes the patient unconscious and insensible to pain.

anesthesia, glove,

n an anesthesia with a distribution corresponding to the part of the skin covered by a glove.

anesthesia, infiltration,

n a local anesthesia induced by injecting the anesthetic agent directly into or around the tissues to be anesthetized; used for operative procedures on the maxillary premolar, anterior teeth, and
mandibular incisors. Also called field block. See also anesthesia, block.

Infiltration anesthesia.

anesthesia, intraosseous,

n the local anesthesia produced by the injection of a local anesthetic agent into the cancellous portion of a bone.

anesthesia, intrapulpal,

n the injection of a local anesthetic agent directly into pulpal tissue under pressure.

anesthesia, local,

n (regional anesthesia), the loss of pain sensation over a specific area of the anatomy without loss of consciousness.

anesthesia, regional,

n a term used for local anesthesia. See also anesthesia, local.

anesthesia, topical,

n a form of local anesthetic agent with which the surface free nerve endings in accessible structures are rendered incapable of stimulation by applying a suitable solution directly to the surface of the area. Used on the surface soft tissue before a local anesthetic injection to anesthetize surface soft tissues for minor operative procedures.

anesthesia

loss of feeling or sensation. Artificial anesthesia may be produced by a number of agents capable of bringing about partial or complete loss of sensation. It is induced to permit the performance of surgery or other painful procedures. See also anesthetic.

balanced anesthesia

anesthesia that balances the depressing effects on the motor, sensory, reflex and mental aspects of nervous system function by the anesthetic agents. The philosophy encourages the use of several agents, each designed to affect one of the functions.

basal anesthesia

narcosis produced by preliminary medication so that the inhalation of anesthetic necessary to produce surgical anesthesia is greatly reduced.

block anesthesia

regional anesthesia. See also block.

caudal anesthesia

injection of an anesthetic into the sacral canal. See also caudal anesthesia.

central anesthesia

lack of sensation caused by disease of the nerve centers.

closed anesthesia

that produced by continuous rebreathing of a small amount of anesthetic gas in a closed system with an apparatus for removing carbon dioxide.

crossed anesthesia

loss of sensation on one side of the face and loss of pain and temperature sense on the opposite side of the body.

dissociated anesthesia, dissociation anesthesia

loss of perception of certain stimuli while that of others remains intact.

electric anesthesia

anesthesia induced by passage of an electric current.

endotracheal anesthesia

anesthesia produced by introduction of a gaseous mixture through a tube inserted into the trachea.

epidural anesthesia

see epidural anesthesia.

field block anesthesia

the anesthetic agent is injected around the boundaries of the area to be anesthetized, with no attempt to locate specific nerves.

frost anesthesia

abolition of feeling or sensation as a result of topical refrigeration produced by a jet of a highly volatile liquid.

general anesthesia

a state of unconsciousness produced by anesthestic agents, with absence of pain sensation over the entire body and a greater or lesser degree of muscular relaxation; the drugs producing this state can be administered by inhalation, intravenously, intramuscularly, or rectally, or via the gastrointestinal tract.

infiltration anesthesia

local anesthesia produced by injection of the anesthetic solution directly into the area of terminal nerve endings.

inhalation anesthesia

anesthesia produced by the respiration of a volatile liquid or gaseous anesthetic agent. Halothane, methoxyflurane, isoflurane, and a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen are the common agents in veterinary use.

insufflation anesthesia

anesthesia produced by introduction of a gaseous mixture into the trachea through a slender tube.

intrasynovial anesthesia

injection of a local anesthetic agent into a joint or tendon sheath.

intrathecal anesthesia

introduction of local anesthetic agent into the spinal fluid by penetration of the spinal dura. Causes anesthesia in the tissues supplied by the nerves in the spinal cord zone that has been anesthetized. There is danger of injury to the cord and the technique is litte used in veterinary surgery. Called also subarachnoid, subdural or intradural anesthesia/analgesia.

intravenous anesthesia

the anesthetic agent, e.g. a barbiturate, is administered intravenously to effect. If an intravenous catheter is used, 'topping-up' amounts can also be administered as required.

intravenous regional anesthesia

see bier technique.

irreversible anesthesia

the loss of sensory and motor function of the part is permanent. The local injection of isopropyl alcohol has this effect.

local anesthesia

that produced in a limited area, as by injection of a local anesthetic or by freezing with ethyl chloride. Includes infiltration, nerve block, field block, surface, regional, retrograde regional, spinal, epidural.

mixed anesthesia

that produced by use of more than one anesthetic agent.

nerve block anesthesia

the anesthetic agent is deposited from a syringe and needle as close to the target nerve as possible. Several injections are often made if the landmarks for the location of the nerve are not outstanding.

obstetrical anesthesia

see obstetrical anesthesia.

open anesthesia

general inhalation anesthesia in which there is no rebreathing of the expired gases.

parasacral anesthesia

regional anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic around the sacral nerves as they emerge from the sacral foramina.

paravertebral anesthesia

regional anesthesia produced by the injection of a local anesthetic around the spinal nerves at their exit from the spinal column, and outside the spinal dura.

parenteral anesthesia

anesthesia induced by the injection of the agent, either intravenously, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

peripheral anesthesia

lack of sensation due to changes in the peripheral nerves.

permeation anesthesia

analgesia of a body surface produced by application of a local anesthetic, most commonly to the mucous membranes. Called also surface anesthesia.

rectal anesthesia

anesthesia produced by introduction of the anesthetic agent into the rectum.

refrigeration anesthesia

local anesthesia produced by applying a tourniquet and chilling the part to near freezing temperature. Called also cryoanesthesia.

regional anesthesia

insensibility caused by interrupting the sensory nerve conductivity of any region of the body: produced by (1) field block, encircling the operative field by means of injections of a local anesthetic; or (2) nerve block, making injections in close proximity to the nerves supplying the area.

saddle block anesthesia

the production of anesthesia in the region of the body corresponding roughly with the areas of the buttocks, perineum and inner aspects of the thighs, by introducing the anesthetic agent low in the dural sac.

segmental anesthesia

loss of sensation in a segment of the body due to a lesion of a nerve root.

spinal anesthesia

1. anesthesia due to a spinal lesion.

2. anesthesia produced by injection of the agent beneath the membrane of the spinal cord.

splanchnic anesthesia

block anesthesia for visceral operation by injection of the anesthetic agent into the region of the celiac ganglia.

subarachnoid anesthesia

see intrathecal anesthesia (above).

surface anesthesia

the application of a local anesthetic agent in solution, as in eye drops, or as a jelly, cream or ointment. The use of cold materials which freeze the superficial layers of skin is not much used in veterinary surgery. See also permeation anesthesia (above).

surgical anesthesia

that degree of anesthesia at which operation may safely be performed. There is muscular relaxation, and coordinated movements, consciousness and pain sensations disappear; many of the spinal neuromuscular reflexes are abolished.

topical anesthesia

that produced by application of a local anesthetic directly to the area involved.