Specialist offering Wide-Awake Hand Surgery in Ventura & Camarillo, CA
Certain procedures of the hand and wrist may be performed under local anesthesia with the patient fully conscious. Dr. Sahil Vohra in Ventura & Camarillo, CAoffers expert diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans. Dr. Sahil Vohra also provides specialized care during and after surgery. To learn more about wide-awake handsurgery, contact Dr. Sahil Vohra office in Ventura & Camarillo, CA for an appointment today!
What is Wide-Awake Hand Surgery?
Wide-awake hand surgery, also known as wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT), is a procedure in which hand surgery is performed without any sedation or general anesthesia.
Indications for Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
Wide-awake hand surgery can be used for:
- Fracture fixation
- Ligament repair
- Osteotomy
- Replacement of finger joints
- Tendon and soft tissue surgery
- Trapeziectomy (removal of a small bone from the wrist)
- Trigger finger release
- Carpal tunnel release
Preparing for Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
Specific instructions will be provided by your hand surgeon. In general, you should:
- Stop smoking as it can slow down the healing process.
- Inform your surgeon about any health conditions, allergies, and regular medications.
- You do not have to fast prior to the surgery as general anesthesia will not be administered.
Procedure for Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
The procedure for wide-awake-hand surgery includes the following:
- Your doctor will instruct you to change your clothes to a patient’s gown.
- Your hand will be cleaned and prepared.
- Your doctor will inject a local anesthesia such as lidocaine with epinephrine to the surgical site.
- This injection will numb the surgical site and minimize bleeding to help your surgeon to easily operate on your hand.
- Depending on your injury, the appropriate surgical repair will be performed while you are wide awake.No tourniquet will be used during the surgery.
- The surgeon may ask you to move your hand during the procedure to get a better idea how the repair will work and thus optimize outcomes.
- The surgical incision will be closed with sutures and covered with a dressing after which you can return home.
Risks and Complications of Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
Wide-Awake Hand Surgery is a very safe procedure; however, there is a minimal risk of bleeding, infection, delayed healing, and failure to heal after surgery.
Advantages of Wide-Awake Hand Surgery
Advantages of wide-awake hand surgery include:
- Enables quicker return to normal activities
- Avoids side effects of general anesthesia
- Better surgical outcomes
- Lower cost
If you would like to have additional information on wide-awake hand surgery or other procedures, please contact Dr. Sahil Vohra in Ventura & Camarillo, CA.
