Hyaluronidase in local anesthesia for severe hermorrhoids and procidentia

Summary

The value of local anesthesia wida hyaluronidase in operations on the anal canal and lower rectum is pointed out, and particular emphasis is made of its effect upon hemorrhoidal edema. The relative safety of this type of locaI anesthesia for more formidable operative procedures such as perineal resection and repair of levator musculature for rectal procidentia is discussed. Muscle relaxation is excellent, even though direct infiltration into the anal sphincters and levator ani muscles is not needed. The instantaneous action of the anesthetic agent is striking.

We believe that the two patients with procidentia would not have done well under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia made possible the successful correction of debilitating rectal prolapses.