Caudal epidural anesthesia in newborn age

Overview

Local anesthesia is becoming more and more popular even for pediatric patients. Caudal epidural anesthesia in combination with low-doseconcentration of inhaled anesthetic agent proved to be effective in hernia repairs in patients of the lowest age and weight groups.The identification of epidural space in a newborn is easy. Bupivacaine 0,25% is applicated in the dose 0,5 ml/kg, using G23 needle advanced circa5 mm behind sacrococcygeal membrane. The withdrawal reactions of a patient can be attenuated by inhalational administration of halothane inconcentration 0,4–0,8%.We sought to determine the optimal regimen of caudal anesthesia in 30 children (21 males, 9 females). Their age varied between two days and 5weeks, with weight interval 900–4200 grams. The anesthesia was uneventful, hemodynamic profile was stable, spontaneous breathing was adequate.Postoperative analgesia was effective at least three hours postoperatively.Caudal epidural anesthesia is in indicated cases very suitable method for a newborn patient. Implementing this method reduces the adverse effectsof inhalation anesthetic agents.

Key words:
caudal epidural anesthesia – anesthesia for a newborn – caudal epidural anesthesia – complications of – bupivacaine