Comparing Efficacy and Safety Aspects of 2% Lidocaine Hydrochloride Combination with 1:80.000 Added Epinephrine Solution versus the Most Commonly Used 2% Lidocaine Hydrochloride Solution in Surgical Procedures on Human Fingers and Toes

Abstract

The effective management of pain and hemostasis is a pivotal concern in surgical procedures performed on human fingers and toes. The anatomical intricacies and limited tissue volume demand a meticulous approach to ensure both the safety of the patient and the successful outcome of the surgery. The use of vasoconstrictor agents, such as epinephrine, to provide clear surgical field and better surgical outcome further complicates the landscape. While epinephrine is a valuable adjunct to local anesthesia due to its hemostatic properties and ability to prolong anesthetic effects, its application in procedures on fingers and toes necessitates a deep understanding of potential risks and complications. This literature review delves into the comparative analysis of two widely employed local anesthetic solutions which are the 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution and the 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution combined with 1:80,000 epinephrine, with specific aim to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety aspects of both local anesthetic solutions. Lidocaine solution alone offers effective pain relief with minimal systemic risks but might lack the extended duration and hemostasis benefits of epinephrine. The lidocaine-epinephrine combination solution provides prolonged anesthesia and reduced bleeding, but clinicians must balance these advantages with the potential for ischemic events and delayed wound healing. Close monitoring, precise dosing, and careful patient selection are paramount in ensuring successful outcomes while minimizing complications.