WALANT
The name WALANT (Wide Awake local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) refers to a new local anesthesia technique used in the surgical treatment of several common pathologies of the wrist and the hand. Dr. Don Lalonde, Canadian surgeon, is considered as the pioneer of this revolutionary technique. Contact us to make an appointment
WALANT
The name WALANT (Wide Awake local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) refers to a new local anesthesia technique used in the surgical treatment of several common pathologies of the wrist and the hand. Dr. Don Lalonde, Canadian surgeon, is considered as the pioneer of this revolutionary technique. Contact us to make an appointment
WALANT
The name WALANT (Wide Awake local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) refers to a new local anesthesia technique used in the surgical treatment of several common pathologies of the wrist and the hand. Dr. Don Lalonde, Canadian surgeon, is considered as the pioneer of this revolutionary technique.
Principle of the WALANT method
The surgeon uses a combination of medications administered locally. Lidocaine is an anesthetic while epinephrine (synthetic equivalent of adrenaline) is a vasoconstrictor. Their combined action enables the surgeon to operate on a patient physically insensible to pain, without having to set a tourniquet to control the bleeding. It takes thirty minutes for the medications to reach their full effect in order to start the surgery.
As the patient is fully awake, he or she is able to follow the evolution of the operation and obey the surgeon’s instructions. Observing the fingers or the hand moving during the operation enables the surgeon to better visualize anatomical structures, the articulation and the implant in function (depending on the type of surgery). This method allows for better surgical precision, better patient participation and better results.
Advantages of the WALANT method
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia is almost always preferable. It includes fewer risks of complications and eliminates the discomfort that come with intravenous anesthesia.
Easier physical and mental preparation
The Walant method does not require blood exams or electrocardiogram prior to the surgery. Moreover, it reduces the stress and anxiety experienced by the patients. A sedative could be offered if needed.
No fasting required prior to surgery
The patient can eat before the surgery which prevents a lot of discomfort and the risk of hypoglycemia.
Increase accuracy
The lack of bleeding and the collaboration between the surgeon and the patient during surgery allows for greater precision. As it is possible to observe the hand moving during the surgical gesture, some technical adjustments can be made in real time.
Absence of paralysis
Contrary to general or regional anesthesia, the Walant method does not induce numbness or transient motor or sensory paralysis.
Easier recuperation
Once the surgery is finished, the patient can go back home quickly without experiencing the side effects (grogginess, nausea) associated with intravenous anesthesia. This accelerates the recovery and allows the patient to get back to their normal life faster.
Safer method
The Walant technique reduces the risk of complications usually associated with intubation and intravenous anesthesia.
Cost reduction
The simplification of the procedure before, during and after the surgery allows significant cost savings and makes it more affordable.
Dr Brutus is recognized around the world for having contributed to perfecting and standardizing the Walant method. He is regularly invited to speak at national and
international medical conferences to share his knowledge and personal technique. In his practice, he now uses the method to treat ligament tears, tendon lacerations, nerve compressions and osteoarthritis located at the base of the thumb.