Does local anesthetic choice impact outpatient foot surgery cost? 3 study insights

A study in Journal of Clinical Anesthesia found that chloroprocaine 3 prercent showed favorable outcomes compared to other local anesthetic choices.

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The researchers identified 100 patients scheduled for popliteal block after minor ambulatory foot surgery. These patients received one of two local anesthetics: either 30 milliliters of chloroprocaine 3 percent or of 30 milliliters of mepivacaine 1.5 percent.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The onset time, block duration and discharge time were significantly shorter when chloroprocaine 3 percent was used.

2. Usage of chloroprocaine 3 percent did not negatively affect block efficacy or patient satisfaction.

3. There were no reports of readmissions or complications at the six week follow-up.

The researchers concluded that the “more expensive chloroprocaine 3% for ambulatory foot surgery can reduce total perioperative costs and reduce length of stay in outpatient patients.”

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