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'''Local infiltration''' uses injectable agents that are extravascularly injected into the region to be anaesthetised. It acts to desensitise the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.
==Agents==
Commonly used agents include [[#Local Anaethestics|lidocaine]], [[#Local Anaethestics|bupvicaine]], and [[#Local Anaethestics|mepvicaine]].
==Uses==
Some minor surgical procedures can use infiltration anaesthesia, avoiding the need to put the patient under a general anaesthetic or use sedation, removing the risk of the patient falling over. It can also be used in conjunction with a general anaesthetic to supply analgesia to the surgical site, or reduce the need for a deep anaesthetic in high risk patients. It can also aid diagnostic procedures. It is commonly used over superficial abscesses or haematomas before a stab incision is made. A continuous infiltration system can be used in some post operative cases to provide post operative analgesia, e.g. total ear canal ablation surgery.
==Advantages==
*Easy to perform and needs only a hypodermic needle and syringe.
*Easy to define area infiltrated by production of intradermal wheals upon injection of the agent - Used in large animals.
*Most reliable and safest technique.
==Disadvantages==
*Multiple injections may be required if a large area is to be infiltrated.
*Care needs to be taken in the total dose given as may cause toxicity problems.
*Do not use on inflammed or infected tissues.