Usefulness of Caudal Block in Children

Abstract

Background: We are becoming aware of the need for adequate analgesia in children. Aim: is to find the effectiveness of caudal analgesia in children undergoing circumcision. Forty boys undergoing circumcision were studied in Services Hospital, Lahore. Caudal Block (CB) was given after general anaesthesia but before the start of surgery. Half the boys (LAG), received CB with 0.5 mI/kg of 0.2% bupivacaine solution , the other half received equivalent volume of normal saline (NSG).Behaviour of the boys, pain relief and side effects were assessed postoperatively. Complete pain relief was obtained in 100% of LAG while in (NSG) only 10 % boys had adequate pain relief. Boys in LAG were pain free for 12 to 18 hours postoperatively. NSG required pethidine to achieve pain relief. Complications were only few and minor, but the pain relief was very good with CB. CB for circumcision in children is quite simple, safe and provides effective analgesia for 12 to 18 hours postoperatively.