Clinics in plastic surgery
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The anesthetic management of pediatric patients for plastic surgical procedures requires close cooperation and understanding between the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Success depends upon avoidance of psychological trauma, establishment and maintenance of a secure airway, and adequate access to the vascular system.
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In summary, many surgical procedures may be safely and comfortably performed utilizing regional anesthesia if only a few guidelines are followed as to choice and usage of local anesthetics. The success of a regional block will always be dependent upon correct needle placement by an experienced physician with good technical skills. However, the safety of the patient is not solely a function of experience. ⋯ Plastic surgery is recognized as a specialty that frequently utilizes local anesthetics for office and outpatient procedures. The manner in which these drugs are used or abused determines their clinical reputation as well as that of the physician. It is important to promote a correct understanding of local anesthetic compounds, not only among ourselves as physicians, but also among our patients, who are becoming ever more knowledgeable of medical practice as time goes on.
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Regional anesthesia in the head and neck area is a common and effective tool for the plastic surgeon. For short procedures, it offers the advantages of convenience and comfort to the patient. In many procedures, in addition, it offers advantages to the plastic surgeon over general anesthesia. ⋯ An attempt was made, however, to indicate one or two successful methods for each type of commonly used block so that when studied and practiced it can be expected to yield consistent results. Some repetition has been unavoidable because the intent has been to provide a relatively self-contained section for each block so that it may be as a reference without having to read the entire article. It is hoped that frequent practice will result in effective local and regional anesthesia in the head and neck area.