Evaluation of Caudal Epidural Analgesia for Relieving Post-Operative Pain in Paediatric Surgical Patients

Post-operative pain poses major problem in children undergoing surgery. The use of caudal epidural analgesia as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia reduces intraoperative requirement of analgesics and post-operative pain relief. Caudal epidural analgesia in children is safe and effective in hands of experts. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in children from age group 1month to 12 years undergoing umbilical and infra-umbilical surgeries after taking permission from institutional ethics committee. Out of 150 operated patients, 100 Patients were posted for umbilical and infra-umbilical surgeries. Caudal epidural analgesia was used along with general anaesthesia. Patients with sacral anomalies, skin infection, poor bony land marks, movements and previous operation were not included in study. 1% lignocaine hydrochloride without adrenaline with 0.25% Sensorcaine was used. Children were observed for pain as well as for any untoward effects in post-operative period. Results: In this study caudal block was successful in 98 (98%) cases. The duration of pain relief ranged from 240 minutes to 360 minutes. The average duration was 300 minutes. Blood in epidural tap were observed in 2% cases. Pain at injection site was complained by 6% cases. Conclusion: Caudal epidural analgesia is an efficient and safe method for achieving pain relief of reasonable duration in postoperative period in children.