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WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) Procedures

If you need a WALANT procedure, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A WALANT Procedure?

WALANT, or Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet, allows surgeons to perform orthopedic procedures using local anesthesia while patients stay awake. This technique eliminates the need for general anesthesia or a tourniquet, offering a safe, efficient alternative for hand, wrist, and upper extremity surgeries. By using local anesthesia, patients experience quicker recovery times, fewer complications, and a faster return to normal activities.

How WALANT Works

In a WALANT procedure, the surgeon injects a local anesthetic directly into the treatment area. The anesthetic numbs the surgical site while keeping the patient awake and alert. Without a tourniquet, the procedure avoids restricting blood flow, which increases comfort and reduces complications.

Surgeons commonly use WALANT for soft tissue procedures, such as tendon repairs, carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, and other hand and wrist surgeries. One key benefit is that it reduces anesthesia risks and allows patients to actively participate in their care during surgery.

Advantages of WALANT Procedures

WALANT procedures offer several advantages over traditional surgeries:

  • No General Anesthesia: Unlike traditional surgeries requiring general anesthesia, WALANT only uses local anesthesia. This eliminates the risks and side effects of being unconscious during surgery.
  • Reduced Recovery Time: Since there’s no general anesthesia, recovery is usually quicker. Patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities sooner.
  • Real-Time Feedback: During the surgery, the surgeon can ask the patient to move their hand or fingers. This allows the surgeon to assess function and ensure the procedure is effective. This feedback is particularly useful in hand and wrist surgeries.
  • Lower Risk of Complications: Without general anesthesia or a tourniquet, the risk of complications such as blood clots, infections, and prolonged recovery is lower.
  • Cost-Effective: WALANT procedures often lower medical costs because they don’t require anesthesia specialists, longer hospital stays, or recovery time in a surgical center.

Common WALANT Procedures

Surgeons use WALANT for several orthopedic surgeries, including:

  • Carpal Tunnel Release: This procedure relieves pressure on the median nerve caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Trigger Finger Release: This surgery treats trigger finger, where the finger gets stuck in a bent position.
  • Tendon Repair: WALANT allows the surgeon to repair hand or wrist tendons while the patient stays awake.
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture: This procedure treats Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition where the fingers bend inward due to abnormal tissue growth.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After a WALANT procedure, patients typically return home the same day. The anesthetic wears off within hours, and patients can manage pain or swelling with over-the-counter pain relievers and rest. Depending on the surgery type, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and motion.

Most patients experience faster recovery and a more comfortable healing process with WALANT compared to traditional surgeries. Because there’s no general anesthesia, patients avoid the grogginess and nausea often associated with it.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.