• N J Mortimer, W Hussain, M J Sladden, and P J Salmon.
• Dermatologic Surgery Unit, Skin Cancer Institute, 171 Cameron Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, New Zealand. njmort2002@yahoo.co.uk
• Br. J. Dermatol. 2010 Apr 1;162(4):819-21.

BackgroundDermatological surgical procedures involving the nasal alae are commonplace in clinical practice. Direct infiltration of local anaesthetic into the nasal ala is extremely uncomfortable.ObjectivesIn this prospective clinical study, we investigate the effectiveness of alar anaesthesia provided by an infraorbital nerve block (IOB).MethodsWe recruited 100 consecutive patients requiring dermatological surgical procedures involving the nasal ala (or other sites necessitating an IOB). Following topical mucosal anaesthesia, an IOB was administered via the intraoral route. Effectiveness of anaesthesia was assessed after 10 min by testing the perception of a sharp stimulus at five standardized reference points on the nasal ala. If the ala was not completely anaesthetized, blockade of the external nasal branch of the anterior ethmoidal nerve (external nerve block, ENB) was performed. Sensation of the nasal ala was re-assessed after 10 min using the above method.ResultsComplete anaesthesia of the nasal ala was achieved with an IOB in 66 of 100 (66%) patients. Of the remaining 34 patients, the addition of an ENB achieved complete anaesthesia in 15 (44%).ConclusionsAn IOB provides effective alar anaesthesia in the majority of patients. In those where it is ineffective for complete anaesthesia, an ENB is a useful adjunct. We recommend using an IOB (and ENB if required) prior to direct infiltration of local anaesthetic into the nasal ala to reduce patient discomfort.

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