Cost savings of using EMLA cream for split-skin harvesting

Split-skin harvesting is a procedure which requires effective anaesthesia. The application of EMLA® cream to the skin effectively serves this purpose as was shown as early as 1985 [7]. This study with 146 patients indicated that dermal analgesia with EMLA cream is less risky for patients and also cheaper, although there were no data to support the latter. Accordingly, another 122 patients were selected retrospectively. They were from the same department and had undergone split-skin harvesting for the same indications and over a similar period but under general or regional block anaesthesia. In addition, these 122 patients received postanaesthesia care in a recovery ward. These 122 patients and the 146 patients from the previous study are compared in this analysis of economy and risk. The analysis indicated considerable cost savings and less risk for patients treated with EMLA.