Ethyl Chloride Spray for Pain Reduction in Surgery

This trial tests whether ethyl chloride spray, a topical anesthetic, can reduce pain from needle injections during Mohs micrographic surgery. The researchers aim to determine if spraying ethyl chloride before injecting a local anesthetic makes the experience less painful. Participants will receive the spray on one side of their surgery area, while the other side will not, allowing for comparison. Suitable candidates for this trial are adults scheduled for Mohs surgery at UC Davis with a tumor size of at least 1.5 cm. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the chance to contribute to innovative pain management strategies.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot have taken anxiolytic medication (medication for anxiety) within the past 4 hours before the procedure.

Research has shown that ethyl chloride spray is generally safe for skin application. The FDA has approved this spray, confirming it meets safety standards for temporarily easing pain from injections. Studies have found it often prevents pain from injections and minor surgeries.

Users of ethyl chloride spray have reported few side effects. When side effects occur, they may include temporary skin irritation or redness at the application site. However, these effects are usually mild and resolve quickly.

Unlike the standard of care for pain management in surgery, which typically involves just the injection of lidocaine, ethyl chloride spray offers a new approach by numbing the skin before the injection. This spray acts as a topical anesthetic, potentially making the injection process more comfortable for patients. Researchers are excited about this because it could enhance the overall experience by reducing pain more effectively during procedures, offering a simple and quick pre-injection step that could be easily integrated into existing practices.

Research shows that ethyl chloride spray can reduce pain from needle injections. In this trial, participants will receive ethyl chloride spray before the injection of lidocaine on one side of the tumor lesion, while the other side will receive no intervention and follow the standard of care. Studies have found that using this spray before an injection can lower perceived pain. In one study, participants who used the spray reported less pain compared to those who did not. The spray works by quickly cooling the skin, numbing the area and reducing sensitivity to pain. This method is gaining popularity because it provides fast pain relief without the long wait times of other numbing options. Overall, ethyl chloride spray could effectively ease pain and anxiety related to needles.¹²³⁶⁷