Effects of Topical Alkane Vapocoolant Spray on Pain Intensity Prior to Digital Nerve Block for Ingrown Nail Surgery

Abstract

Needle penetration and local anesthetic infiltration are 2 painful steps that cause considerable stress and anxiety during digital nerve block, which is the most frequently used regional anesthesia for ingrown nail surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical alkane vapocoolant spray in decreasing pain during digital nerve block for ingrown nail surgery. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial with 62 patients who underwent big toenail surgery. Prior to the digital block, alkane vapocoolant spray was applied to patients who were selected by flipping a coin. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for assessment of pain during the skin needle penetration and during the infiltration of the anesthetic product. VAS scores during needle penetration were significantly lower in the intervention group. However, VAS scores during infiltration were similar statistically. Alkane vapocoolant spray has no noticeable clinical benefit in decreasing pain intensity during digital nerve block in patients undergoing toenail surgery.

Keywords

topical anesthesia cryotherapy vapocoolant digital nerve block ingrown toenail

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