Contraindications to vasoconstrictors in local anaesthesia – Anaesthesia MCQ

Contraindications to vasoconstrictors in local anaesthesia?

A. Spinal anaesthesia
B. Epidural anaesthesia
C. Digital nerve block
D. Regional anaesthesia

Correct answer : C. Digital nerve block

Contraindications to vasoconstrictors in local anaesthesia

• Vasoconstrictors like adrenaline are used with local anaesthetics for decreasing the systemic absorption and to increase the local anaesthetic concentration and duration of nerve block
• But adrenaline should not be used with lignocaine when infiltrating areas of end arterial supply
• These sites include:
  • Fingers
  • Toes
  • Pinna
  • Penis
  • Nose
• The use of adrenaline is these areas can compromise the blood flow and result in ischaemic injury