Simple Modification of Caudal Epidural Anesthesia Technique in Pre-school Children for Improved Success rate, Safety and Quality of Block.

ABSTRACT

Caudal Epidural Anesthesia (CEA) or Kiddy caudal is a safe and effective method of anesthesia in paediatric patients. Incidence of failed or incomplete block of CEA could be reduced by simple modification of technique with early onset of analgesia, adequate surgical relaxation, rapid and smooth recovery from anesthesia and freedom from post-operative pain. Identification of epidural space using small volume of air and using mixture of lidocaine with epinephrine and bupivacaine for block provides excellent operating conditions with improved success rate avoiding supplementary general anesthetic requirement. Our experience in 120 pre-school children for infraumbilical surgery is described.