THE USE OF HYALURONIDASE AS AN ADJUNCT TO SURGICAL-PROCEDURES

BACKGROUND. Although the use of hyaluronidase as an adjunct to anesthe sia is frequently described for plastic surgery and ophthalmologic pro cedures, its use in dermatologic surgery has not been well investigate d. OBJECTIVE. In this report we review the advantages and disadvantage s of using hyaluronidase in dermatologic procedures. METHODS. The effe ct of adding hyaluronidase to local anesthesia was evaluated in 72 ope rations performed over a 1-year period. RESULTS. Although the duration of anesthesia is slightly decreased, the addition of hyaluronidase to local anesthesia offers the benefits of minimizing loss of surface co ntour and enhanced ease in undermining and dissection through subcutan eous tissue planes. The onset of anesthesia using hyaluronidase is imm ediate and the area of anesthesia appears increased over anesthesia wi thout hyaluronidase. CONCLUSION. We therefore recommend the adjunct of hyaluronidase to local anesthesia as a useful advancement in surgical technique.