Local and Regional Anaesthesia Techniques for Otologic (Ear) Surgery
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2025-03-08
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Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Implementing the use of local anaesthesia to perform middle ear and mastoid surgery in lower- and middle-income countries and in humanitarian outreach settings is challenging, though it has many advantages. This article outlines the rationale for local anaesthesia in otologic surgery as well as educates the reader about local anaesthetic agents and the anatomy of the ear that allow local anaesthesia to be an effective means under which to perform otologic procedures. Performing otologic procedures under local anaesthesia as opposed to general anaesthesia has many advantages in a humanitarian settings. Depending on the specific setting, the main impetus for performing a procedure under local anaesthesia may be a lack of trained anaesthesia support. In the absence of trained anaesthetists or nurse anaesthetists, local anaesthesia is the safest option. Thus, safety of surgery under local anaesthesia is its primary advantage.
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Reference:
Bein, A., Wagner, R. & Wilkinson, E. 2025. Local and Regional Anaesthesia Techniques for Otologic (Ear) Surgery. In Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Operative Surgery. J. Fagan, Ed.Cape Town, South, Africa: University of Cape Town. 12. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/43495 .