Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Caudal Block Versus Spinal Block With Levobupivacaine for Inguinal Hernia in Children

Overview

Neuraxial analgesia may improve postoperative outcomes for high-risk children who are susceptible to respiratory complications (e.g. post-operative apnea). The use of spinal anesthesia in infants and children requiring surgeries of the sub-umbilical regions is gaining considerable popularity worldwide. Caudal analgesia along with general anesthesia is a very popular regional technique for prolonged postoperative analgesia in different pediatric surgical procedures where the surgical site is sub-umbilical. Bupivacaine has been thoroughly studied, and a large global experience exists.

Neuraxial analgesia may improve postoperative outcomes for high-risk children who are susceptible to respiratory complications (post-operative apnea). In this population, spinal anesthesia has been proposed as a means to reduce post-operative complications, especially apnea and post-operative respiratory dysfunction, although this utility has been questioned. Spinal anesthesia modifies the neuroendocrine stress response, ensures a more rapid recovery, and may shorten hospital stay with fewer opioid-induced side effects. Caudal analgesia along with general anesthesia is a very popular regional technique for prolonged postoperative analgesia in different pediatric surgical procedures where the surgical site is sub-umbilical. Caudal anesthetics usually provide an-algesia for approximately 4-6 hours.

Conditions