Continuous intrathecal fentanyl infusion for postoperative analgesia

Following inadvertent dural puncture during epidural catheter placement, a 20 gauge polyethylene catheter was placed in the intrathecal space, and continuous spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine was administered intraoperatively to supplement general anesthesia. Following surgery, a continuous intrathecal fentanyl infusion (0.2 mcg/kg/hr) was administered to provide postoperative analgesia. The child was awake and comfortable throughout this time and required no supplemental analgesic agents. Although epidural catheters are still our preferred method of analgesia, intrathecal fentanyl infusion is one alternative when inadvertent dural puncture occurs.