INTRODUCTION: With the advent of long-lasting local anesthetics, local and regional anesthesia gained considerable impetus and the use of these techniques has become increasingly widespread. New block techniques have been described and regional anesthesia is frequently associated with general anesthesia to provide postoperative analgesia. In contrast, large doses of local anesthetics are required with the risk of accidents due to inadvertent intravascular injection, which is a severe complication without a specific treatment until a few years ago. In 1998, the use of lipid emulsions was proposed in animals. Since 2006, many studies have demonstrated an interest in these solutions in cases of local anesthetic-induced toxicity with a decrease in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review article was to research the methodology, reviewing mechanisms, interests, limitations and currently recommended treatment. METHOD: Some historical references on local anesthetics, articles published during the last 30 years in journals indexed in Medline and in two textbooks were reviewed. Articles on local anesthetic toxicity, lipid emulsion therapy, review articles on the topic and treatment adopted in diverse services and countries were selected, producing a summary. CONCLUSIONS: It is no longer necessary to show the effectiveness and interest in lipid emulsion therapy for local anesthetic toxicity. Various specialty societies have already published their guidelines and advice about stocking these products in any setting in which local and regional anesthetic techniques are practiced.
Anesthesia; local; Toxicity; Lipids