Infiltration of a wound with local anesthetic refers to the process of injecting a local anesthetic agent directly into the tissues surrounding or within a wound. This technique is used to numb the area to reduce pain and discomfort during medical procedures, such as suturing a wound, performing a biopsy, or other minor surgical interventions.
The local anesthetic works by blocking nerve signals in a specific area, allowing the procedure to be carried out with minimal pain to the patient. Infiltration can be particularly useful in emergency settings or outpatient procedures, providing effective analgesia while minimizing systemic effects commonly associated with general anesthesia.