Hand and finger surgery no longer has to involve general anesthesia, hospitalization, and a long recovery. Thanks to advances in medical technology, the WALANT ( Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet ) technique is now available, a breakthrough in hand surgery. This technique has been implemented at our hospital by orthopedic specialists specializing in Hand and Microsurgery. Read on to learn more!
What is the WALANT Technique?
WALANT is a surgical method performed without general anesthesia and without the use of tourniquets or blood vessel clamps. Instead, the patient is given only local anesthesia in the area to be operated on and remains fully conscious throughout the procedure.
The WALANT method has several advantages over surgery under general anesthesia. One of the main benefits is its safety, especially for patients with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or the elderly. Because it doesn't use general anesthesia, patients don't need to fast before the procedure and avoid side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, or confusion after surgery.
Conditions Treated with WALANT
This technique is very effective for various hand and microsurgical procedures, such as:
- Tendon injury
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Broken hand or finger
- Micro replantation or reconstruction
Advantages of WALANT Technique
Why is WALANT increasingly popular and recommended? Here are its advantages:
1. Without General Anesthesia
Patients do not need to undergo general anesthesia, so the risk of complications such as post-operative nausea, anesthetic reactions, or recovery from anesthesia can be avoided.
2. Without Tourniquet (Clamping Tool)
The surgery proceeded without the intense pain typically associated with tourniquets. This made the patient much more comfortable, especially during prolonged operations.
3. The patient remains conscious and can interact.
The doctor can directly evaluate hand/finger function during surgery. For example, the patient can be asked to move their fingers to see the improvement in real time.
4. Faster Recovery
Because this technique is minimally invasive and uses local anesthesia, recovery time is shorter, and patients can generally go home the same day.
Can All Patients Undergo WALANT?
WALANT is ideal for minor to moderate hand surgery, provided the patient has no allergies to local anesthetics and is able to cooperate during the procedure.
Overall, the WALANT technique is a safe and effective alternative to surgery for many patients, especially those with certain health conditions. With minimal side effects and a shorter recovery time, this method offers greater comfort and safety.
However, it is important for every patient to consult a doctor first to ensure whether WALANT is suitable for their health condition, so that the procedure can be carried out optimally and risks can be minimized.
With WALANT, you can undergo surgery more comfortably, safely, and recover faster.
Article written by Dr. Fredy Arianto, MS(Ortho), Sp.OT (Orthopedic Traumatology Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).