Neurolytic Caudal Epidural Block for Rectal Tenesmus: A Case Report

Rectal tenesmus is a very uncomfortable symptom. Though antiarrhythmic drugs and nerve blocks have been proposed as a treatment for rectal tenesmus, none is well-established. We report a 68-year-old female who undertook surgery for uterine cervical cancer and underwent chemotherapy. She got a bilateral nephrostomy and bowel obstruction during the chemotherapy because of recurrence. She decided to stop chemotherapy and to receive palliative care. She had a symptom of rectal tenesmus, which was refractory to medications. The clinical sign was severe and uncomfortable, making her very nervous. We planned to treat the rectal tenesmus with a nerve block. A ganglion impar block was insufficient to remove the symptom, and the saddle block failed due to epidural lipomatosis. We finally succeeded in alleviating the sign with a neurolytic caudal epidural block. Relief of tenesmus made her hope to spend her final period at home. She could stay at home with her family for seven days before death without recurrence of the symptom. Though there is no report about the effectiveness of neurolytic caudal epidural block for rectal tenesmus, we consider the block appropriate for the symptom.

Anesthesia in a child with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita – how to proceed: A case report

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) consists of a heterogenous group of disorders characterized by non-progressive congenital joint contractures. They have tense skin, minimal subcutaneous tissue, and muscle mass. The anesthetic management of these children is complicated by associated congenital abnormalities, airway anomalies, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypoplasia, and vertebral anomalies. We managed a case of AMC with bilateral contractures of both upper and lower limb and neck who presented for correction of bilateral equino varus.

A Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Two Different Doses of Caudal Clonidine as Adjunct to Caudal Bupivacaine in Infraumbilical Surgeries in Younger Children.

Managing peri operative pain in smaller children is challenging but beneficial. Caudal epidural block with local anaesthetic and adjuvant in proper dose can significantly prolong the duration of analgesia while avoiding dose related side effects of both the drugs. We selected clonidine as adjuvant to bupivacaine in caudal blocks for perioperative pain management in 80 children during infra umbilical surgeries performed under general anaesthesia. MethodsThe children were randomly allocated into two groups, Group A (n=40) and Group B (n=40). Group A received caudal bupivacaine (0.125%) 0.75 mL/Kg plus clonidine 1 μg/Kg in 1 mL normal saline and Group B received caudal bupivacaine (0.125%) 0.75 mL/Kg plus clonidine 0.5 μg/Kg in 1 mL normal saline, after inhalational anaesthesia. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, sedation score, Bromage score and pain score were monitored and recorded peri-operatively. Time to first rescue analgesic at pain score of 12, total number of rescue analgesic doses required, and side effects were also recorded. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical tests. ResultsGroup B patients had significantly higher heart rates, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, respiratory rates and pain scores compared to Group A patients at 50 mins post operatively. The requirement of rescue analgesics in Group B was earlier and higher than Group A. Group A patients remained haemodynamically stable and pain free for longer period. There was no significant difference in side effects between the groups. ConclusionsAddition of 1 μg/Kg clonidine to caudal epidural bupivacaine improves the quality and prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia compared to addition of 0.5 μg/Kg clonidine without causing significant side effects.

Comparative evaluation of caudal tramadol and fentanyl when mixed with bupivacaine in paediatric age group

Background: A caudal block is commonly performed block for postoperative analgesia pediatric surgeries. Duration can be enhanced by addition drugs like fentanyl, tramadol, clonidine midazolam etc to local anesthetics helps in decreasing the requirement of postoperative analgesics. This study was conducted to assess the analgesic efficacy of tramadol or fentanyl when mixed with bupivacaine in pediatric patients for surgeries below the umbilicus.Methods: Fifty children of ASA I and ASA status, between 2 to 12 years of age, of both sexes underwent elective surgeries below umbilicus were selected and randomly divided into groups of 25 each. One Group, T (n = 25) received 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with tramadol 1mg/ kg and other Group F (n = 25) received 0.75 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine with Inj fentanyl 1μg/kg. Assessment of analgesia and any side effects after caudal injection to the first administration of analgesia were recorded for both the groups in next 24 hours following objective pain scores. Duration of analgesia and requirement of additional rescue analgesics was noted.Results: The Mean duration of analgesia recorded longer in Group T (18.26±6.1 hours) as compared to Group F (10.0+/- 2.68 hrs.) and no significant haemodynamic changes or adverse effect noted between 2 groups.Conclusions: Addition of tramadol, 1mg/kg to bupivacaine 0.25% for caudal anesthesia in children undergoing surgeries below umbilicus, enhances and prolongs postoperative analgesia compared to caudal fentanyl 1μg/kg and bupivacaine 0.25% alone.

Study of morphine with ropivacaine and ropivacaine alone for caudal epidural analgesia in children

Background: Caudal epidural analgesia is one of the most popular and commonly performed regional blocks in pediatric anesthesia. It is reliable and safe technique that can be used with general anesthesia for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. The aim of this research is to study the effect of morphine (15 µg/kg) with ropivacaine (0.2%) and ropivacaine (0.2%) alone through caudal epidural route on duration of analgesia in children.Methods: The study was performed on 60 ASA grade I and II patients, aged 1 to 7 years scheduled for elective infraumbilical surgeries. After induction of general anesthesia, caudal epidural block was performed. Each group consisted of 30 pediatric patients: group I-caudal epidural 0.2% ropivacaine (1 ml/kg) and group II- caudal epidural 0.2% ropivacaine (1 ml/kg) with morphine 15 µg/kg. Intra-operatively heart rate, blood pressure was recorded at pre-induction, immediately after induction, 5 minutes after administration of caudal block and thereafter every 10 minutes till the completion of surgery. Postoperative heart rate, blood pressure, pain score was assessed periodically till 24th hour.Results: The duration of analgesia was more in group II (7.30±1.78 hour) in comparison to group I (3.93±0.83 hour). The fall in mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not significant in group II as compared to group I.Conclusions: Addition of low dose morphine to ropivacaine resulted in prolonging the duration of analgesia by almost double the duration as compared to ropivacaine alone.

Morphometric Measurements Of Sacral Hiatus In South Indian Dry Human Sacra For Safe Caudal Epidural Block

Introduction: The sacral hiatus is located on the posterior aspect of the lower end of the sacrum, where theextradural space ends . The clinically significant features of the posterior surface of the sacrum are the triangularor inverted ‘U’ shape sacral hiatus and the sacral cornua.The knowledge of Anatomical variations of Sacralhiatus is significant while administration of Caudal Epidural Anaesthesia and it may help to improve its successrate.Aim: The purpose of this study is to recognize anatomical variations and additional landmarks of sacral hiatusin cases where the sacral cornua could not be identified and to assess proportions that may magnify the locationof the apex of the sacral hiatus and thus to find a practical solution for Caudal epidural block (CEB).Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on unknown sixty one complete and undamaged adult,dry sacral bones . The material was of undetermined age and gender. Anatomical measurements was carried outon these bones using a vernier calliper to the accurate of 0.1mm.Results: Variations in the shapes and their percentages of Sacral hiatus were observed namely Elongated, InvertedU, Irregular, Inverted V, Dumbbell and Bifid along with their distances and Angles of use in detecting the Apexwere measured. The location of Apex of Sacral hiatus was found at varying levels from upper end of S2 to lowerpart of S5 vertebrae. Also we measured the angles between the margins of the triangle formed by the twosuperolateral sacral crests and the sacral hiatus. Our measurements reveal this to be an equilateral triangle.Conclusion: This knowledge of variations in Human sacral hiatus provides a safe caudal epidural block beforesurgery and complications can be avoided.We believe that the equilateral character of the sacral triangleformed connecting the two posterior superior iliac spines and the apex of the sacral hiatus will be practicaladvantage to the clinician in ascertaining the location of the sacral hiatus during CEB.

Comparison of hemodynamic response and postoperative pain score between general anaesthesia with intravenous analgesia versus general anesthesia with caudal analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery

Context: Regional anesthesia may attenuate adverse physiological stress responses associated with cardiothoracic surgery. In this study, hemodynamic stress response at the different time of surgical stimuli was compared between patients receiving general anesthesia (GA) along with caudal epidural analgesia with GA with intravenous analgesia in pediatric population undergoing open-heart surgery. Aims: This study aims to compare the hemodynamic response at the different time of surgical stimuli and postoperative pain score, in pediatric patients undergoing open-heart procedures. Settings and Design: We designed a prospective randomized controlled trial to study hemodynamic effects between Group I and Group II. Fifty patients were randomly allocated equally into Group I (GA + caudal epidural) and Group II (GA + intravenous analgesia) by sealed envelope technique. Subjects and Methods: After obtaining approval from Institutional Ethical Committee, this prospective study was conducted in 50 American Society of Anesthesiologist Classes II and III pediatric patients aged between 1 and 12 years posted for cardiac surgery in our institution. Statistical Analysis: ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and Student's test. Results: The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure variations were compared between Groups I and II at different time intervals. The variations were found to be significantly higher at the time of skin incision and 2 min after skin incision in Group II as compared to Group I. Pain score was compared between the groups and was found to be significantly lower with Group I (2.5 ± 1.2) as compared to Group II (4.6 ± 1.7), P = (0.004). Conclusions: Caudal analgesia with GA (Group I) was found to have better hemodynamic control and significantly better postoperative pain relief in the first 24 h after awakening.

Morphometric Analysis Of The Sacral Hiatus In Indians: Its Clinical Importance

Introduction: Sacral hiatus (SH) is a significant landmark during caudal epidural block (CEB) which is employedfor analgesia and anaesthesia during a wide range of clinical conditions. This requires a thorough knowledge ofmorphometric characteristics of SH and surrounding landmarks, but variability in morphometric dimensionsexists among different populations.Aim: The aim of this study was to identify different anatomical landmarks to detect the location of SH andprovide a reference database for morphometric dimensions of SH in Indian population.Materials and Methods: The study was done on 108 dry adult human sacra. Linear measurements of the sacrawere taken with the help of digital vernier caliper and angular parameters were determined with a goniometer.Results: The most common shape of the sacral hiatus was inverted ’V’ shaped (59.3%) with the level of the apexat S4 in 66.7% and base at S5 in 86.1% cases. Morphometric dimensions of SH were found to be smaller in presentstudy as compared to reports by other researchers. Left crest-apex angle was observed to be significantly greaterthan the right crest-apex angle. (p 0.001).Conclusion: Multiple bony landmarks and their morphometric dimensions should be considered to locate the SHduring CEB. Values for various morphometric parameters of SH are less in Indians in comparison to otherpopulations, which should be contemplated during caudal epidural injections and trans-sacral thecaloscopy.

Combination of clonidine-bupivacaine in caudal epidural anesthesia for hypospadias surgery in children: prospective, randomized, blind study / Associação clonidina-bupivacaína na anestesia peridural caudal para cirurgia de hipospádia em crianças: estudo prospectivo, randomizado, encoberto

Abstract Background and objectives: The combination of clonidine with local anesthetic administered for epidural anesthesia via caudal route seems to improve the quality of postoperative analgesia, but with conflicting results. This study compared the postoperative analgesia of three different doses of clonidine combined with bupivacaine in caudal epidural anesthesia in children undergoing hypospadias repair. Methods: Eighty children aged 1-10 years, candidates for surgical repair of hypospadias, were randomly divided into four groups of 20 patients to receive general anesthesia combined with caudal epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.165% alone or in combination with 1, 2 or 3 µg.kg- 1 of clonidine. The primary outcome was morphine consumption in the first 24 h postoperatively. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, time to awakening, pain severity (FLACC scale), level of sedation (RAMSAY), duration of analgesia, and occurrence of adverse effects were also compared. Results: Intraoperatively, there was no difference between groups regarding mean arterial pressure, heart rate, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, and time to awakening. Postoperative morphine consumption and pain severity were similar between groups, but the group receiving clonidine (3 µg.kg-1) had lower heart rate and higher sedation level than the group receiving bupivacaine alone. Conclusions: The combination of clonidine at doses of 1, 2 or 3 µg.kg-1 with bupivacaine 0.16% via caudal epidural route did not alter the consumption of morphine in the early postoperative period of children undergoing hypospadias repair.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A associação de clonidina ao anestésico local administrado por via peridural caudal parece melhorar a qualidade da analgesia pós-operatória, mas com resultados conflitantes. Este estudo comparou a analgesia pós-operatória de três diferentes doses de clonidina associada à bupivacaína na anestesia peridural caudal em crianças submetidas à correção de hipospádia. Método: Oitenta crianças entre um e dez anos, candidatas à correção cirúrgica de hipospádia, foram divididas, aleatoriamente, em quatro grupos de 20 pacientes para receber anestesia geral associada à anestesia peridural caudal com bupivacaína 0,166% isolada ou associada a 1, 2 ou 3 µg.Kg-1 de clonidina. Como desfecho principal avaliou-se o consumo de morfina nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório. Compararam-se também pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, concentração expirada de sevoflurano, tempo de despertar da anestesia, intensidade da dor pela escala FLACC, nível de sedação (Ramsay), tempo de duração da analgesia e ocorrência de efeitos adversos. Resultados: No transoperatório, não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, concentração expirada de sevoflurano e ao tempo de despertar. No pós-operatório, o consumo de morfina e a intensidade da dor foram similares entre os grupos, mas o grupo que recebeu 3 µg.Kg-1 de clonidina apresentou menor frequência cardíaca e maior sedação do que o grupo que recebeu somente bupivacaína. Conclusões: A associação de clonidina nas doses de 1, 2 ou 3 µg.Kg-1 à bupivacaína 0,166% por via peridural caudal não alterou o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório imediato de crianças submetidas à correção de hipospádia.

Impact of Position on Efficacy of Caudal Epidural Injection for Low Back Pain and Radicular Leg Pain Due to Central Spinal Stenosis and Lumbar Disc Hernia

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate and compare the efficacies of caudal epidural injections performed at prone and lateral decubitus positions. METHODS: A total of 120 patients suffering from low back pain and radicular leg pain were included and patients were randomly distributed into 2 groups according to the position during injection. In Group 1 (n=60; 32 women, 28 men), caudal epidural injection was performed at prone position, whereas it was implemented at lateral decubitus position in Group 2 (n=60; 33 women, 27 men). Visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), walking tolerance (WT) and standing tolerance (ST) were compared in 2 groups before and after injection. RESULTS: In Group 1, ODI values were higher at 30th minute (p=0.007), 3rd week (p=0.043) and 6th month (p=0.013). In Group 1, ODI, VAS and ST values were improved significantly at all follow-up periods compared to initial values. In Group 1, WT scores were better than initial values at 30th minute, 3rd week and 3rd month. In Group 2, ODI scores at 30th minute, 3rd week, 3rd month and 6th month were improved while VAS and ST scores were improved at all periods after injection. WT scores were better at 30th minute, 3rd week and 3rd month compared to initial WT scores. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that application of injection procedure at lateral decubitus position allowing a more concentrated local distribution may provide better relief of pain.

A Morphological Study Of Sacral Hiatus In Dry Human Sacra And Its Clinical Importance.

Background & objectives: The opening at the inferior end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus.It formed due to the failure of fusion of laminae of the fifth (occasionally fourth) sacral vertebra. Sacrum is one of the bones which exhibit variations and the variation of sacral hiatus is of great clinical significance. Present study determined the landmarks for caudal epidural block (CEB) after morphometric measurements of the sacral hiatus on dry sacra bones .Methods: 120 sacral bones are used for the study. Anatomical measurements were measured by using Vernier caliper accuracy to 0.1mm. Results: Agenesis of sacral hiatus was detected in two sacral bones. Various shapes of sacral hiatus were observed which included inverted U (31%), inverted V (25.8%), irregular (20.6%), Elongated (17.2%) and dumbbell (5%). Apex of sacral hiatus was commonly found at the level of 4th sacral vertebra in 50.8%. The distance between the two superolateral sacral crests and the distance between the apex of sacral hiatus and the right and left super lateral crests were 69.5 (5.8) mm, 61.4 (11.2) mm, 57.4 (9.7) mm respectively, on average. The mean, mode, SD is calculated for all the measurements. Interpretation & conclusion: The sacral hiatus has anatomic variations. Understanding of these variations may improve the reliability of, caudal epidural block (CEB). [Satish P NJIRM 2016; 7(5):69-72]

Anatomical Study of Sacrum and its Clinical Significance.

Background: Sacrum is formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae and forms the lower part of Vertebral column. The opening present at the lower end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus. Methods: This study was carried out on 75 dry human sacra of unknown sex to study the variations of sacral hiatus. Various shapes of sacral hiatus were observed which included inverted u, inverted v, irregular, dumbbell and bifid. The apex of sacral hiatus was commonly found at the level of 4th sacral vertebra. The mean length of sacral hiatus, the mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal was measured. The narrowing of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was measured. Results: We observed length of Sacral hiatus from apex to midpoint of base – maximum length was found to be 11 – 20 mm in 32 dry sacra. Anteroposterior diameter at the sacral hiatus was found to be 0 – 3 mm. in 35 dry sacra. Base (Transverse diameter) was found to be 11 – 15 mm in 36 dry sacra. Median distance between the level of lower margin of S2 and apex of sacral hiatus was 21 – 30 mm in 25(33%) Sacra. Distance between midpoint of Base to S2 foramen was found to be >40 mm in 52 Sacra and that accounts for 69 %. Conclusion: The knowledge of anatomical variations of sacral hiatus is clinically important for caudal epidural block in Pediatric, Obstetric, Orthopedic, Urologic and Surgical practice. The reliability and success of caudal epidural block depends upon Knowledge of Variations of Sacral hiatus.

Comparison of Post-operative Analgesia after Single Shot Caudal Epidural Block Using Bupivacaine with or without Clonidine in Children.

Background: Caudal analgesia with bupivacaine and several adjuvants is a very popular in pediatric anesthesia for providing intra- and post-operative analgesia. Methods: This randomized comparative prospective study of total 60 patients of either sex, of ASA Grade I or Grade II, aged between 01 and 12 years, undergoing elective lower abdominal or perineal surgeries were enrolled after written and informed consent. 60 patients undergoing general anesthesia with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation followed by caudal anesthesia for post-operative pain relief were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each, Group B received caudal analgesia with 0.25% plain bupivacaine 0.75 ml/kg and Group C received caudal analgesia with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.75 ml/kg with clonidine 1.5 μg/kg after induction of anesthesia but before starting surgery. Intraoperatively heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic BP (DBP) were monitored while in post-operative period we monitored following-objective pain score, sedation score, HR, SBP and DBP and any side effects like post-operative nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression in both the groups. The final results of the study were tabulated and analyzed for significance using standard statistical techniques (2 independent sample t-tests). Sedation score was analyzed by using Mann–Whitney test. Results: The objective pain score was significantly lower, and sedation score was significantly higher in bupivacaine with clonidine group. The HR, SBP, and DBP were significantly on the lower side with bupivacaine with clonidine group when compared to plain bupivacaine group, but bradycardia was not statistically significant. Hemodynamic stability and post-operative pain-free period in bupivacaine with clonidine group was more than plain bupivacaine group which was beneficial in surgeries like hypospadias repair. Conclusion: Single shot caudal epidural with the addition of clonidine to bupivacaine is efficient in prolonging the duration of analgesia of plain bupivacaine with minimal or no side effect.

Morphometrical study of sacral hiatus in dry human sacra.

Background: The sacral hiatus is the site for caudal epidural anaesthesia during perineal surgery and also for a painless delivery. It is also used for three dimensional colour visualization of lumbosacral epidural space in orthopaedic practice for diagnosis and treatment. Sacrum is one of the bones which exhibit variations. Therefore the importance of the normal sacral hiatus and its variations is of great clinical significance. The reliability of caudal epidural anaesthesia is 70% - 80% in the literatures. The objective of the study was to examine, measure and record the morphometry of sacral hiatus under the following headings in order to study the anatomical variations which would be useful for caudal epidural anaesthesia and improve the reliability of the same. a) Shape of sacral hiatus, b) level of apex, c) level of base, d) length of the sacral hiatus, e) transverse width at the base, and f) anteroposterior depth at the apex. Methods: A total of 200 dry, complete, undamaged human sacra of unknown sex were used in this study. Measurements were taken using vernier calipers. In this study six parameters were taken. All the readings were tabulated and subjected to analysis. Results: Various shapes of sacral hiatus were observed which included Inverted-U (50%), Inverted-V (27.5%), Irregular (15.5%), Dumb bell (2%), and Bifid (2%). The mean anteroposterior depth of sacral canal at the level of apex of sacral hiatus was 4.25mm. The mean length of sacral hiatus was 19.63 mm and the mean transverse width of sacral hiatus at the level of base was 11.42 mm. There was complete spina bifida in 4 (2%) and absence of sacral hiatus in 2 (1%) cases. Conclusion: The sacral hiatus has anatomical variations. Understanding of these variations may improve the reliability of caudal epidural anaesthesia.

Anatomical Profile and Morphometric Evaluation of Human Sacral Hiatus in North Indians

Successful caudal epidural block (CEB) for various gynaecological and orthopaedic procedures requires an elaborate knowledge of anatomical profile of sacral hiatus. Varied morphology of sacral hiatus is likely to influence the success rate of CEB. Scanty literature is available on the morphometry of sacral hiatus in North Indian subjects. Therefore, sacral hiatus of 60 North Indian human sacra were evaluated using Vernier calipers. Sexing of the sacra was done by calculating the sacral index. Following parameters of sacral hiatus were observed and recorded: a) Shape, b) Level of apex, c) Maximum distance between the sacral cornua, d) Length of the sacral hiatus i.e. from its apex to midpoint of its base, e) Antero-Posterior diameter at the apex of sacral hiatus. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software (version 18). Various shapes of sacral hiatus were observed. It was irregularly shaped in both the sexes though inverted U shaped sacral hiatus was also seen frequently in females. In males, the apex of sacral hiatus was commonly seen at the level of spinous process of 3rd sacral vertebra in males and below the level of spinous process of 4th sacral vertebra in females. The mean distance between the sacral cornua was 1.1cm : 1.2cm in males and females, respectively. Mean length of the sacral hiatus was 2cm in both sexes. Antero-posterior depth at the apex the sacral hiatus was 6mm in both the genders. The dimensions of sacral hiatus obtained in this study were inconsistent with earlier studies. Knowledge of these dimensions may help the clinicians in precisely locating sacral hiatus for successful CEB in North Indians.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Caudal, Interlaminar, and Transforaminal Epidural Injections in Managing Lumbar Disc Herniation: Is One Method Superior to the Other?

BACKGROUND: Epidural injections are performed utilizing 3 approaches in the lumbar spine: caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal. The literature on the efficacy of epidural injections has been sporadic. There are few high-quality randomized trials performed under fluoroscopy in managing disc herniation that have a long-term follow-up and appropriate outcome parameters. There is also a lack of literature comparing the efficacy of these 3 approaches. METHODS: This manuscript analyzes data from 3 randomized controlled trials that assessed a total of 360 patients with lumbar disc herniation. There were 120 patients per trial either receiving local anesthetic alone (60 patients) or local anesthetic with steroids (60 patients). RESULTS: Analysis showed similar efficacy for caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal approaches in managing chronic pain and disability from disc herniation. The analysis of caudal epidural injections showed the potential superiority of steroids compared with local anesthetic alone a 2-year follow-up, based on the average relief per procedure. In the interlaminar group, results were somewhat superior for pain relief in the steroid group at 6 months and functional status at 12 months. Interlaminar epidurals provided improvement in a significantly higher proportion of patients. The proportion of patients nonresponsive to initial injections was also lower in the group for local anesthetic with steroid in the interlaminar trial. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this assessment show significant improvement in patients suffering from chronic lumbar disc herniation with 3 lumbar epidural approaches with local anesthetic alone, or using steroids with long-term follow-up of up to 2 years, in a contemporary interventional pain management setting.

Sacral Hiatus Study in Dry Human Sacra

Background and objectives: The sacral hiatus is the site for caudal epidural anaesthesia during perineal surgery and also for a painless delivery. It is also used for three dimensional colour visualization of lumbosacral epidural space in orthopaedic practice for diagnosis and treatment. Work on the morphometrical study of the sacral hiatus is limited, especially in south indian population. So this study is carried to examine, measure and record the morphometry of sacral hiatus in order to study the anatomical variations which will be useful for caudal epidural anaesthesia. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Prathima Institute of Medical Science, Naganur, Andhra Pradesh. 93 dry sacra with complete sacral hiatus were taken for the study. The shape of the sacral hiatus was noted by naked eye. Level of the apex and base of the sacral hiatus was noted with respect to the sacral vertebra. The length of sacral hiatus was measured from apex to the midpoint of base, the anteroposterior depth of sacral hiatus at the apex was measured with the help of vernier calipers. The transverse width of sacral hiatus at the base was measured between the inner aspects of inferior limit of the sacral cornu with the help of divider and then adjusted, and calculated with vernier caliper. Results: In 47 (50.53 %) sacra the shape was Inverted-U and in 25 (26.9 %) sacra Inverted-V. The irregular shaped of sacral hiatus was observed in 11 (11.8 %) cases. A “Dumbbell” shaped sacral hiatus was observed in 5 (5.4%) cases with a nodular bony growth projecting medially from both margins. The dorsal wall of sacral canal was entirely absence in 4 (4.3%) cases. Absence of sacral hiatus, a rare phenomenon, was observed in 1 (1%) specimens only. Conclusion: In the present study, elongated hiatus and narrowing of the sacral canal at apex of sacral hiatus was found in a significant percentage, which should be kept in mind while giving the caudal anaesthesia in Andhra Pradesh region.

Study of dorsal wall of sacrum.

Background: Sacrum is a large triangular bone formed by fusion of five sacral vertebrae. The opening present at the caudal end of sacral canal is known as sacral hiatus and is formed due to the failure of fusion of lamina of fifth sacral vertebra. Objective of current study was to study the anatomical variations of dorsal wall of sacrum in order to clarify the structural variations of sacral hiatus and surrounding structures for improving the reliability of caudal epidural block Methods: The present study was done on 50 male and 50 female dry human sacra after calculating the sacral indices and sexing of sacra. The dorsal wall of sacrum was studied with respect to composition of sacrum, level of sacral hiatus, deficiencies and apertures in the bony dorsal wall and also for the presence and absence of sacral cornua. Results: The level of apex of sacral hiatus can vary from upper part of S2 to lower part of S5. The most common position was at S4 (64%). Elongated sacral hiatus at the level of S2 was present in 4% of cases. Sacrum had normal 5 segments in 70% of cases, 4 segmented sacra were observed in 4% of cases, sacralization of 5th lumbar vertebra in 7%, coccygeal ankylosis in 19% of cases. Less extensive apertures in the bony dorsal wall of sacral canal were observed in 29% of sacra. Conclusion: The dorsal wall of sacrum has anatomical variations. Understanding these variations may improve the reliability and success of caudal epidural anesthesia.

Importance of knowing the level of sacral hiatus for caudal epidural anesthesia

Introduction and Materials and Methods: The Study was carried out on 100 dry human sacra to know the Anatomical variations of sacral hiatus. Results: Different shapes of sacral hiatus were observed which included- Inverted U (56%), Inverted V (14%), Irregular (16%), Dumb-bell (10%), Bifid (2%) and Elongated (2%). The apex of the sacral hiatus was most commonly found at the level of 3rd sacral vertebrae in 62%. The mean length of sacral hiatus was 25.2mm, the mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was 5.53mm. The mean distance between sacral cornu at the base of sacral hiatus was observed to be 19.5mm. Conclusion: This study was done to clarify the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus using bony landmarks of sacrum for improving the reliability of caudal epidural anesthesia and to improve its success rate and reduce the complications and failure rate.(AU)

Comparison of Post-operative Analgesic Efficacy of Caudal Epidural Bupivacaine Versus Bupivacaine and Neostigmine Combination in Infraumbilical Surgeries in Children.

Spinal muscarinic M1 receptors are believed to be involved in the analgesic properties of spinal neostigmine. Aims were to determine the effect of adding neostigmine to bupivacaine on the duration of caudal analgesia as compared with caudal bupivacaine alone, to determine the need for rescue analgesics in the post-operative period. Material and Methods: 50 patients of ASA Grade I and II, aged between 2 to 8 years, of either sex underwent infraumbilical surgeries. Post-operative caudal epidural analgesia was activated after completion of the surgery and before recovery from anaesthesia Group-A (n=25) received caudal epidural injection of preservative free bupivacaine 0.125%. 2 mg/kg, Group-B (n=25) received both preservative free bupivacaine 0.125% and neostigmine 2μg/kg. Results and Analysis: After extubation children were evaluated for pain using the CHEOPS pain scale, shows no significant difference between the two study groups at 2 post-operative hours. Group B patients required less rescue analgesic than Group A patients in 24 hrs postoperative period. Conclusion: Addition of neostigmine to bupivacaine in caudal epidural bupivacaine prolonged the duration of caudal analgesia in the post-operative period compared to caudal bupivacaine alone.