{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Relieving postoperative pain using tumescent solution with ropivacaine in follicular unit excision.
{Author}: Dai DM;Qu Q;Fan ZX;Hu ZQ;Miao Y;
{Journal}: J Cosmet Dermatol
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: Apr 2022 20
{Factor}: 2.189
{DOI}: 10.1111/jocd.15011
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Local tumescent anesthesia relieves postoperative pain.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the effect of injecting a tumescent solution with/without ropivacaine on postoperative pain.
METHODS: A randomized, double-blind control study was conducted in 314 patients who underwent first follicular unit excision after obtaining informed consent and ethics committee approval. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: intra-groups (group 1, injected with tumescent solution with ropivacaine; group 2, without ropivacaine) and inter-group (group 3, right-head/left-head side with/without ropivacaine). Postoperative pain was recorded using the 5-point Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. No preoperative analgesic was administered to any patient. The survival rate of hair follicles was measured using dermoscopy during follow-up. Data were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: Of the 314 patients included in the study, 166 were men and 148 were women with a mean age of 32.15 ± 4.58 (range, 25-45) years. Postoperative pain with ropivacaine was significantly more relieved compared with that without ropivacaine in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between sex and survival rate of hair follicles in the intra- or inter-group.
CONCLUSIONS: A tumescent solution with ropivacaine has proven to relieve postoperative pain and is a safe and valuable form of local anesthesia in follicular unit excision.