To a large number of individuals in Lucknow, the term surgery evokes a certain sort of fear. It may not always be the procedure which makes people worried, but the idea of going under. The concept of being totally out of it and having a tube to breathe, which is called general anaesthesia, can be a cause of immense anxiety. A large number of patients are procrastinating in repairing carpal tunnel injuries, trigger finger or tendon injuries just because they do not want to be put to sleep.
At the Medinity Hospital, we also think that there should be no fear in standing between you and your health. Modern medical advances have also made it possible not to have to be in an unconscious state during many hand and wrist surgeries. We are delighted to provide you with WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet); the new method which enables you to stay awake, relaxed, and pain-free during your surgery.
What Exactly is WALANT?
WALANT is an acronym that means Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet. To answer the question as to why it is a game-changer, we must consider the manner in which hand surgery has been carried out.
The hand is swollen with small blood vessels. To be able to see clearly during surgery, the doctors used to tie a very tight pressure cuff around the arm to prevent the blood flow. This is a very painful cuff, and most individuals can only have a few minutes before they can bear it. Due to this, doctors were compelled to put the patient on general anaesthesia or heavy sedation simply so that he would not experience the sensation of pressure from the cuff.
The WALANT Difference:
Our experts at Medinity Hospital apply a certain local shot which contains: instead of a painful cuff.
Lidocaine: It is a safe freezing agent that prevents any pain in the hand.
Epinephrine: This is a drug which causes the blood vessels in the operating field to constrict as a natural reflex. This prevents bleeding in such a manner that no tourniquet is required anymore.
You are alert, awake and in no way feel anything as you are totally numb due to the lack of a painful cuff.
The reasons “Wide Awake” Surgery should be a Better Choice
It is not only in order to avoid having a scary experience, but in order to have better medical results, that the choice to stay awake is made. This is the reason why we recommend this approach to our surgeons and patients at Medinity Hospital:
The “Live” Movement Test
This is the most significant advantage. With conventional surgery, your hand is numb because of the anaesthesia. The surgeon repairs a tendon and has to make a guess whether the tension is ideal. The surgeon is able to make you move your fingers when you are awake. The surgeon will be able to observe the movement of your hand in the course of the operation and will know that the surgery is flawless even before you get out of the room.
No “Anaesthesia Hangover”
The side effects of general anaesthesia include nausea, vomiting, and a foggy feeling that may take days to pass away. In WALANT, you do not even need this. After you leave the procedure room, you are in your right frame of mind. You are allowed to take a normal lunch and resume your intellectual life the same day.
High Safety for Seniors
General anaesthesia may prove dangerous to patients with heart and pulmonary problems and older people. WALANT is localised in your hand and thus does not target your vital organs. It is the least harmful alternative to patients who may have other health complications.
No Fasting Required
Surgery usually involves stopping eating or drinking after midnight. As you remain awake, WALANT, you are able to have a regular breakfast and be hydrated, which makes the entire experience much more comfortable.
Widespread Ailments that WALANT is used to treat
Our Orthopaedic Doctor team employs the wide-awake technique in most of its common hand problems:
Carpal Tunnel Release: To prevent the tingling sensation and numbness in your hand.
Trigger Finger: To treat fingers which become stuck in an apoe posture.
Release: To treat painful thumb tendons de Quervain.
Ganglion Cyst Removal: Removal of blisters on the wrist or fingers.
Tendon Repairs: Repairs of accidental cuts and injuries.
Expectations at the Medinity Hospital
In case you are scared of being awake, you can just be sure what to expect. We boast of a peaceful and conducive environment.
The Numbing Process
Some small injections in the hand will be administered to you. Our surgeons deploy a very thin needle, and most patients claim that it is just a mere pin prick.
The Waiting Period
The medicine requires 15 to 20 minutes to take full effect. You may have a rest during this period, listen to music or talk with our employees.
The Procedure
A small sterile curtain is used in order not to view the surgery. You will experience some form of movement, but you will not experience any pain. You are also able to talk to the surgeon in the process, so that many of the patients feel more comfortable.
Immediate Recovery
After the repair has been made, the surgeon stitches the incision back up. You have a bandaged foot and are usually able to drive home in half an hour or so. You are not sleepy; therefore, you can comprehend your recovery directions well.
Is WALANT Right for you?
Although most individuals are fond of the wide-awake option, this is not advisable when:
You are terribly anxious about being in a medical establishment.
The procedure is extremely lengthy or includes complicated bone reconstruction.
The client is a very small child who is unable to sit down.
When you come to see our specialists at Medinity Hospital, we will assist you in making the decision as to what would be the best and most comfortable route to take during your surgery.
Reasons to join Medinity Hospital, Lucknow?
We are committed to providing world-class healthcare to our patients. Our team in the orthopaedic department specialises in patient-friendly treatment methods. Injury is not the only thing we do; we treat the individual. We provide professional care and affordability because there has been a necessity to avoid general anaesthesia. You don’t need to experience the pain in your hands and fingers locking up just because you feared being taken to sleep. The revolution of Wide Awake is present in Lucknow, and it is safer, quicker, and more efficient.
