Key result
Caudal epidural anaesthesia achieved an average onset of 6.6 minutes and resulted in less hemodynamic variation, longer duration of rescue analgesia, and fewer complications than general anaesthesia.
Why the study?
Does caudal epidural anaesthesia improve post-operative analgesia and reduce complications compared to general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal and lower limb surgery?
RCT (n=50)
Does caudal epidural anaesthesia improve post-operative analgesia and reduce complications compared to general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal and lower limb surgery?
Caudal epidural anaesthesia is an inexpensive alternative to general anaesthesia for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries in pediatric patients, offering satisfactory post-operative analgesia and fewer complications.
Caudal epidural anaesthesia may be preferred for paediatric lower abdominal and limb surgery; extends RCT evidence for superior analgesia and safety versus general anaesthesia.
Background: Our aim is to compare caudal epidural versus general anaesthesia in paediatric patients and to check safety and efficacy of caudal epidural technique with providing better post-operative analgesia. Material and Methods: 50 paediatric patients up to 12 years of ASA grade I and II posted for lower abdominal and lower limb surgery were randomly divided in to two groups. Group C (n=25) received caudal epidural anaesthesia using Lignocaine with adrenaline, Bupivacaine and Tramadol. Group G (n=25) received general anesthesia with Thiopentone, Succinylscoline as induction agent and O2, N2O, Isoflurane and incremental doses of Atracurium as maintenance. They were extubated in a usual manner after surgery. Observation and Results: Consent rate was higher for caudal block. Onset of caudal block achieved in average 6.6 minutes with higher success rate. Surgeons acceptance was good in group C. Cost was very less in group C as well. Time for pre-operative preparation was less in Group G. Hemodynamic variation and duration of rescue analgesia was significant in group G. Rate of post-operative complication was higher in group G. Conclusion: Caudal epidural is quite inexpensive with excellent anaesthesia and satisfactory post operative analgesia with lesser complication rate.
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Shah et al. (2013) conducted an RCT in lower abdominal and lower limb surgery (n=50). Caudal epidural anaesthesia vs. General anaesthesia was evaluated on Safety, efficacy, and post-operative analgesia. Caudal epidural anaesthesia achieved an average onset of 6.6 minutes and resulted in less hemodynamic variation, longer duration of rescue analgesia, and fewer complications than general anaesthesia.
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