Feasibility and effectiveness of ultrasound guided caudal epidural block in adolescents undergoing surgery for hypospadias.

Dr. Punam Raghove; Dr. Karampal Singh; Dr. Savita Saini; Dr. Sarla Hooda

Volume : VI, Issue : I, January - 2016

Feasibility and effectiveness of ultrasound guided caudal epidural block in adolescents undergoing surgery for hypospadias.

Dr. Punam Raghove, Dr. Karampal Singh, Dr. Savita Saini, Dr. Sarla Hooda

Abstract :

Background: Caudal epidural block is frequently done procedure in infants and young children but it’s use is comparatively less in adolescent age group due to difficulty in inserting the needle into the sacral canal through the sacral hiatus. USG guidance for caudal block have increased success rate and decreased complications in younger children. We evaluated feasibility of ultrasound guidance for caudal block in 30 children of age group 8–14 years. Methods: 30 male children, of age group 8–14 yrs. undergoing elective hypospadias surgery under general anaesthesia (GA) were included. 0.5ml/kg of 0.25 percent bupivacaine was injected in caudal epidural space under real time USG guidance. Success rate of block, complications and durations of pain relief were recorded. Results: Sacral hiatus was identified in all patients. The injection proved feasible in all 30 patients. Blood reflux was noted in 3/30 patients. No cereospinal fluid reflux occurred. Pain relief lasted for an average of 8 hours in postoperative period. No complications were recorded during 24 hours post–operative period. Conclusions: USG guided caudal epidural block is feasible and safe technique for post–operative pain relief in children of age group 8–14 years undergoing hypospadias surgery