Could skipping a common additive make numbing shots safer and just as effective?

This study looks at whether leaving out bicarbonate from the numbing medicine (lidocaine with adrenaline) affects how well people recover the day after hand or foot surgery. About 150 adults having common procedures like carpal tunnel release or bunion surgery will be randomly assigned to get the numbing mix with or without bicarbonate. The goal is to see if the simpler, ready-to-use solution is just as good for recovery and might be safer and easier to prepare.