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Published on: February 5, 2019

Head and neck blocks in infants, children, and adolescents

Santhanam Suresh1, Polina Voronov

  • 1Children's Memorial Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology & Pediatrics, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. ssuresh@childrensmemorial.org

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|October 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This review covers simple, landmark-based peripheral nerve blocks for head and neck procedures in pediatric anesthesia. It highlights practical applications for improving anesthesia care in children.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Regional Anesthesia

Background:

  • Peripheral nerve blocks are crucial for pain management.
  • Head and neck blocks offer specific advantages in pediatric patients.
  • Landmark-based techniques are essential for accessibility and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of peripheral nerve blocks in pediatric head and neck anesthesia.
  • To emphasize simple, landmark-based approaches for practical use.
  • To provide guidance for anesthesiologists in this specialized field.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on head and neck nerve blocks in pediatric anesthesia.
  • Focus on techniques utilizing anatomical landmarks.
  • Discussion of clinical applications and safety considerations.

Main Results:

  • Peripheral nerve blocks of the head and neck are feasible and effective in pediatric patients.
  • Landmark-based approaches simplify the procedure and reduce reliance on advanced imaging.
  • These techniques can enhance perioperative pain control and potentially reduce opioid requirements.

Conclusions:

  • Simple, landmark-based peripheral nerve blocks are valuable tools in pediatric head and neck anesthesia.
  • Their application can improve patient outcomes and provide a safe anesthetic option.
  • Further integration of these techniques into practice is recommended.

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