Evaluation of Bilateral Mental Nerve Block as an Alternative to General Anesthesia for Resection of Lower Lip Tumors

Objective: Nerve blockade is commonly used in oncosurgical procedures as an alternative to general anesthesia for older patients and those with significant medical problems. We report a single tertiary oncology center experience in performing various lip resections and reconstructive techniques using this technique. Patients and methods: sixty patients with lower lip tumors were enrolled into this study with exclusion of refusing, non-compliant and critically ill patients. A solution of 4 ml 2% Lidocaine and epinephrine was put in a 5 ml syringe. Half the solution (2 ml) was injected into each side with a 23 gauge needle and after 5 minutes the surgical resection was carried out after testing for anesthesia. Results: The mean age was 68 ± 6.2 years. The mean ASA score was 3 ± 0.75. There were 4 cases who expressed painful sensation and their operations were completed with fentanyl increments. Mean hospital stay was 1 ± 0.75 days. There were three cases of wound gaping who were treated with secondary closure in an outpatient basis. One patient expressed postoperative acute ischemic heart pain that was managed with anti-ischemic measurements. Conclusion: Bilateral mental nerve block is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia in lower lip tumors’ resection especially in older patients and those with poor tolerance for general anesthesia provided that there is no need for cervical nodal dissection.