Procaine is an ester-type local anesthetic that is distinctively metabolized by plasma cholinesterase, not by hepatic enzymes like amide anesthetics. This rapid metabolism leads to a shorter duration of action and a lower risk of systemic toxicity. Understanding this metabolic pathway is critical during surgery because patients with plasma cholinesterase deficiency may experience prolonged anesthetic effects or toxicity with ester anesthetics like procaine. Hence, recognizing procaine as an ester anesthetic helps guide safe anesthetic choices tailored to patient enzyme activity.

Reference: Miller's Anesthesia, Ronald D. Miller, 9th Edition.