DEATH FOLLOWING THE USE OF EFOCAINE

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the case report of a patient whose death followed intercostal injection of Efocaine. Efocaine is a solution of 1% procaine, 0.25% procaine hydrochloride, and 5% butyl-p-aminobenzoate in a solvent composed of 2% polyethylene glycol-300, 78% propylene glycol, and water. A need has long been felt for a safe local anesthetic agent with a prolonged action. Until recently, Efocaine seemed to meet these requirements, and the drug has been used for many purposes. In proctology these purposes include relief of pain of fissure and fistula in ano, control of posthemorrhoidectomy pain, and relief of pruritus ani; in obstetrics and gynecology for cesarean section, episiotomy, and hysterectomy; in abdominal surgery for hernia, cholecystectomy, and gastrectomy; in dermatology for pruritus; and for prolonged control of pain following various chest operations, trauma to the chest, and pleurisy. In recent months clinical evidence from case reports seems