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Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: an Update

  • Pediatric Anesthesia (J Lerman, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The Purpose of Review

The purpose of this study was to review the recent literature describing techniques, outcomes, and complications in pediatric regional anesthesia primarily among neonates and infants.

Recent Findings

Regional anesthetic techniques can be safely performed in anesthetized children, and is so widespread, that it has become accepted as standard of practice. Spinal anesthesia in the neonate requires a larger dose of local anesthetic than in adults, yet has a shorter duration of action. Neuraxial technique combined with sedation or light general anesthesia is commonly used for hernia repairs. In preterm and ex-preterm infants, awake regional techniques are reasonable alternatives. Neuraxial catheters can deliver local anesthetics and opioids both intraoperatively and postoperatively for effective pain control in all age groups including neonates. Ultrasound guidance has rapidly become the norm to ensure successful peripheral nerve blocks and abdominal wall blocks with the least amounts of local anesthetics. The dose of local anesthetic should be adjusted for each patient based on the recommended range.

Summary

Regional anesthesia has shown to be safe and is being increasingly practiced. But safety should be the priority and adequate precautions should be taken to reduce potential complications.

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Notes

  1. Abstract #1697 at the 16th World Congress of Anaesthesiologists, 2016, Hong Kong.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Madhankumar Sathyamoorthy

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  1. Madhankumar Sathyamoorthy
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pediatric Anesthesia

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Sathyamoorthy, M. Pediatric Regional Anesthesia: an Update. Curr Anesthesiol Rep 7, 150–155 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-017-0217-6

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