European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Caudal blocks have been shown to reliably block dermatomes below the level of the umbilicus (T10–S5) in children <20 kg (∼6 yr of age).  Caudal epidural anaesthesia involves accessing the epidural space through the sacrococcygeal ligament via the sacral hiatus at the base of the sacrum. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ropivacaine and bupivacaine for caudal anaesthesia in children undergoing lower abdominal surgery.
Methods: After the hospital ethics committee approval, 60 (ASA I–II) children scheduled for lower abdominal surgery were included in this study. The group A (n=30) patients received ropivacaine 0.25% and group B (n = 30) patients received bupivacaine 0.25% via the caudal route. In this study we assessed demographic and clinical characteristics, AIIMS pain score at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 hours after operation and level of residual motor block (Modified Bromage Scale) immediately after surgery and at 1, 2 and 3 hours post operatively.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in AIIMS pain scores between groups A and B at all postoperative time points – 1hr, 2hr, 4hr, 8hr, 12hr, 16hr and 24hr (P < 0.00001). The quality and duration of analgesia were comparable in both the groups. However, degree of motor block was significantly less in the ropivacaine group. After 3 hours there was no significant difference in the level of residual motor block.
Conclusion: The single shot caudal epidural block with 1ml/kg ropivacaine 0.25% is a safe and effective, long lasting dose for postoperative analgesia in paediatric lower abdominal surgery, producing less duration of motor block than bupivacaine 0.25%.