[Balanced spinal-epidural anesthesia in pediatric orthopedics]

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Spinal epidural anesthesia in pediatric surgery remains under-researched.
• Limited data exists on its efficacy and safety for lower extremity orthopedic procedures in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a balanced spinal epidural anesthesia protocol for pediatric orthopedic surgery.
• To compare its effectiveness against conventional general anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 119 children (aged 2-16 years) undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery.
• Sequential subarachnoidal and epidural puncture via a single access point.
• Comparison of intraoperative monitoring and postoperative analgesic requirements between spinal epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia groups.

Main Results:

• Balanced spinal epidural anesthesia demonstrated reliable intraoperative analgesia.
• Patients receiving spinal epidural anesthesia required less postoperative pain medication.
• Early and effective postoperative pain management was observed in the spinal epidural anesthesia group.

Conclusions:

• Balanced spinal epidural anesthesia is an effective technique for pediatric orthopedic surgery.
• It offers significant advantages in intraoperative and postoperative pain control compared to general anesthesia.
• Further research into pediatric spinal anesthesia techniques is warranted.