LAUSR

Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. For those with a true allergy to lidocaine, the recommendation is to use ester-type local anesthetics, bacteriostatic normal saline, or 1% diphenhydramine. However, there still exist varied local anesthetic practices among Mohs surgeons in the U.S. dependent on each surgeon’s training, personal preference, and legal regulations. Many dermatology practices employ medical assistants (MAs). Although drawing up and injecting local anesthesia is part of most MAs’ scope of practice, experience varies widely and some state laws prohibit MAs from drawing up and/or injecting medication. Here, we aim to provide readers with a description of anesthetic choice and administration among Mohs surgeons by geography.