WALANT Procedure
Written by Dr. Edward J. Armbruster
WALANT Procedure (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) offers a groundbreaking approach to hand and upper extremity procedures. This technique eliminates the need for general anesthesia, sedation, fasting, or stopping blood thinning medications. WALANT is particularly effective for smaller procedures, such as carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release, enabling faster recovery with fewer risks. This technique is typically covered by insurance.
What is WALANT Procedure?
WALANT is a minimally invasive technique using local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. By combining anesthesia with epinephrine to control bleeding, it eliminates the need for a tourniquet. Patients remain fully awake and responsive, which minimizes many risks associated with traditional surgery, such as nausea, grogginess, and extended recovery time. This technique is ideal for individuals with conditions that make anesthesia risky or for those seeking a cost-effective, quick recovery option.
Benefits of WALANT Procedure
1. No General Anesthesia Required
Because the WALANT Procedure doesn’t require anesthesia, it avoids sedation-related side effects like nausea, dizziness, and prolonged recovery. Additionally, there is no fasting required before surgery, and patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.
2. Shorter Recovery Times
Since the surgery is minimally invasive, patients usually have a faster return to their daily activities. Additionally, post-op recovery treatments like pain management and physical therapy are quicker as well.
3. Safe for Patients on Blood Thinners
Since the WALANT procedure only requires a local anesthetic, many medications like aspirin or warfarin typically do not need to be paused, which makes it easier for those who are required to take blood thinners.
4. Immediate Feedback During Surgery
Although it might seem jarring, patients can move their hands during the WALANT procedure, which helps optimal surgical outcomes.
5. Cost-Effective
Another benefit of the WALANT Procedure is that it often doesn’t require operating rooms or anesthesia staff, which helps reduce overall costs for patients.
Common Injuries That Benefit From WALANT Procedures
WALANT is effective for various hand and upper extremity surgeries such as hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. This technique is mostly used on non-boney procedures, including:
1. Carpal Tunnel Release
The WALANT procedure allows orthopedic specialists to relieve the pressure on the median nerve, which helps to alleviate symptoms such as pain and numbness caused by Carpal Tunnel.
2. Trigger Finger Release
Trigger Finger is when fingers lock or catch during movement, and the local anesthesia within the WALANT procedures allows specialists to address those issues without being fully sedated.
3. Tendon Repairs
The WALANT surgery allows specialists to restore mobility and function to damaged tendons in the hands and fingers, with quicker recovery times.
4. Fracture Fixation
Small fractures in the hand and wrist area can be easily set with local anesthesia, which makes the WALANT procedure an excellent option for both doctors and patients.
5. Ligament Repairs
Because of the local anesthesia, patients can move during the WALANT procedure, which can assist doctors during ligament repairs in the hands or wrist.
Frequently asked Questions:
WALANT Surgery Defined by Dr. Armbruster:
Dr. Armbruster, a specialist in WALANT surgery, explains the game-changing WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia) technique. No general anesthesia, faster recovery, and better results.
Am I a good candidate for WALANT Surgery?: Dr. Armbruster discusses the best types of candidates for WALANT, including pregnant women, those who are on blood thinners, seniors, and more,
What is WALANT Surgery?: Dr. Armbruster explains that WALANT is a minimally invasive technique using local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. Learn more about what makes the WALANT surgery unique.
People Who Could Benefit from the WALANT Procedure
WALANT surgery is a great option for patients looking to avoid general anesthesia, especially those with health conditions, on blood thinners, or seeking minimal recovery time. Many patients report a positive experience and would choose WALANT again for future procedures.
Pregnant Women
General anesthesia poses risks during pregnancy – WALANT avoids those risks by using only local numbing.
People on Blood Thinners
WALANT doesn’t require a tourniquet or sedation, reducing bleeding risks and allowing some patients to stay on their medications.
Patients with Heart or Lung Conditions
No stress from sedation or airway management – WALANT is safer for people with cardiac or respiratory issues.
Senior Adults
General anesthesia can cause complications for seniors both in physical and mental health. The WALANT procedures need for only local anesthesia and can help to reduce these risks for seniors.
People Who Prefer to Avoid Sedation
Naturally, there are some who prefer to avoid sedation altogether for personal reasons. The WALANT allows you to stay fully awake, aware, and in control during your procedure — with no grogginess afterward.
Busy Individuals
Since the WALANT surgery is minimally invasive, patients usually experience quicker recovery times, which allows them to get back to their busy lives.
Cost-Conscious Patients
No anesthesia team or operating room needed for WALANT procedures — often means lower out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Request an Appointment
At AOSMI, we prioritize innovative, patient-centered care. WALANT surgery is one of the many advanced treatment options we provide to ensure effective results with minimal disruption to your daily life. For more information about WALANT surgery or to schedule a consultation, please contact AOSMI today! We can be reached by filling out the form below or by email for general questions regarding the office. If you have any specific medical questions about the WALANT procedure and if you are a good candidate, please call the office directly.
