What factors determine the route of administration of local anesthetics?

The route of administration of local anesthetics is primarily determined by the target nerve or region that requires anesthesia. Different nerves or areas of the body may necessitate specific delivery methods to achieve the most effective and efficient anesthetic effect. For instance, certain nerves are more effectively blockaded via direct infiltration, while others may be better approached through regional techniques such as nerve blocks or spinal anesthesia.

The choice of route is tailored based on anatomical considerations, the extent of the surgical procedure, and the required level of anesthesia. For example, in dental procedures, infiltration is common, while larger areas or specific nerve pathways may require more advanced techniques like plexus blocks.

Other factors, such as body weight, duration of surgery, and the type of anesthetic agent, certainly influence overall anesthetic management, dosage, and onset, but they are secondary considerations when determining the initial approach for administration based on the specific target area or nerve.