Reducing the need for general anaesthesia in children: use of LAT gel in treating facial lacerations.
Facial lacerations in children are common emergencies that often require debridement and closure under general anaesthesia because of poor cooperation by the patient. General anaesthesia in children is not without risk so any technique that avoids its use is beneficial. LAT gel (lidocaine, adrenaline, and tetracaine) is a topical anaesthetic, which is ideal for suturing facial lacerations in children. In our experience its use has resulted in the effective treatment of these injuries, and has reduced distress and discomfort, and the need for hospital admission and general anaesthesia.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK. richard.mcnulty@hotmail.com
Richard J
RJ
McNulty
Thomas P B
TP
Handley
Mark F
MF
Devlin
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D019162:Anesthetics, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery*; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
D019162:Anesthetics, Combined; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D005782:Gels; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D013748:Tetracaine; D008012:Lidocaine; D004837:Epinephrine