The Society of Indian Hand Surgery and Microsurgeons (SIHSAM), Tiruchi Orthopaedic Society, Tamil Nadu Orthopaedic Association, and the Indian Orthopaedic Association, co-hosted a symposium dedicated to Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) surgery in the city recently.

Over 200 delegates from 25 countries participated in the programme held on August 7 and 8 in Tiruchi. WALANT enables many upper and lower limb procedures to be performed safely without general anaesthesia, regional blocks, or a tourniquet. The technique minimises anaesthesia-related risks, promotes faster recovery, reduces healthcare costs, and makes surgery more accessible, particularly for elderly patients, those with multiple medical illnesses, and individuals who may not tolerate prolonged anaesthesia, according to a press communication.

As part of the symposium, Donald H. Lalonde, Canadian pioneer of the WALANT technique, demonstrated its principles through live and recorded surgical demonstrations.

Experts from across the globe discussed the scientific evidence, economic advantages, patient safety, implementation challenges, and WALANT in different healthcare systems. The inaugural Prof. George A. Anderson oration of the SIHSAM was delivered by Dr. Lalonde on the theme ‘WALANT – Origins and the Future’, during the programme.