Cervical plexus block in adolescents

In adults, peripheral nerve block provides an effective alternative to general anesthesia. In pediatric anesthesia practice, several factors may limit the use of such techniques. I present two adolescents in whom anatomical alterations precluded routine airway management. Cervical plexus block was used to provide surgical anesthesia for superficial/deep lymph node biopsy and excision of a thyroid nodule. The technique for cervical plexus block and its possible application in the practice of pediatric anesthesia are reviewed.