Needle-free Jet Injector Versus Conventional Needle Infiltration for Local Anesthesia in Minor Dermatologic Procedures

BACKGROUNDLocal anesthesia in dermatologic procedures is conventionally administered using hypodermic needles and is associated with pain and anxiety. Needle-free jet injectors provide an alternative drug delivery system that may enhance patient comfort.

OBJECTIVETo compare pain perception during local anesthesia administration using a needle-free jet injector versus conventional hypodermic needle infiltration and to evaluate proceed. This prospective split-body study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over 1 year. Thirty-five adults with 2 clinically similar symmetrical lesions undergoing minor dermatologic procedures were included. Each patient received local anesthesia using a conventional needle on 1 lesion and a jet injector on the contralateral lesion. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale during anesthesia administration and the procedure. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTSThe mean pain score during local anesthesia administration was significantly lower with the jet injector (2.20 ± 1.30) compared with conventional needle infiltration (5.48 ± 1.82) (p < .001). Pain during the dermatologic procedure was minimal and comparable between both techniques, with no significant difference observed.

CONCLUSIONNeedle-free jet injectors provide superior patient comfort during local anesthesia administration with comparable efficacy for minor dermatologic procedures.

Abstract from PubMed