What is the effect of using plain local anesthetic on patient comfort during longer procedures?

Using plain local anesthetic during longer procedures can lead to reduced patient comfort for several reasons. Plain local anesthetics lack a vasoconstrictor, which means they do not help to constrict blood vessels in the area where they are administered. Without a vasoconstrictor, the anesthetic agent may be more rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a shorter duration of action. This can lead to the patient experiencing pain or discomfort as the effects of the anesthetic wear off before the procedure is completed.

Additionally, the absence of a vasoconstrictor may result in increased blood flow to the site of injection. Higher blood flow can dilute the concentration of the local anesthetic quicker and may also lead to increased swelling or bleeding at the injection site, which could further contribute to discomfort during lengthy procedures.

In contrast, the inclusion of a vasoconstrictor in a local anesthetic formulation enhances the anesthetic's effectiveness and duration, promoting better patient comfort and minimizing the likelihood of pain during surgical interventions. Thus, the use of plain local anesthetic can diminish the overall comfort experienced by the patient, underscoring the importance of careful selection of anesthetic agents based on the duration and nature of the procedure.