Continuous sciatic block for leg and foot surgery in 160 children

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of continuous sciatic block for lower limb surgery in children.

A total of 160 pediatric patients aged 4 months to 12 years weighing 3.5-50 kg, were given continuous sciatic block plus single shot 3-in-1 block for leg and foot surgery. After general anesthesia, the sciatic nerve was located by using loss of resistance to saline by the mid-thigh approach. An 18 gauge epidural needle was introduced at the junction of the proximal two-third with the distal one-third of a line extending from the apex of popliteal triangle to the midpoint of the line joining the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity. A 20 g catheter was threaded through the needle for 5-10 cm and 0.25% bupivacaine 0.75 ml.kg(-1) was injected. A single shot 3-in-1 block was also given to facilitate the use of a tourniquet with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 ml. In 20 patients a nerve stimulator was used in addition to loss of resistance. The intraoperative sedation comprised propofol and ketamine infusions and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen by LMA.

Eight-two percent of patients showed no response to surgery; 14% patients showed some response to the medial incision over the ankle and needed additional bolus doses of ketamine and propofol. Block was considered to have failed in 4% who required an increase in propofol and ketamine infusions. A total of 154 patients had good postoperative pain relief for 72 h with continuous infusion of 0.05% bupivacaine. The other six were given oral codeine and diclofenac. There were no complications attributable to sciatic block in any patient.

Sciatic block with a single shot 3-in-1 block for tourniquet pain and light general anesthesia provides good intraoperative conditions for leg and foot surgery and adequate postoperative pain relief. Additional sedation to minimize the discomfort of a cast may be a consideration in the first 24 h.