Caudal epidural block for analgesia following herniorrhaphy with laparoscopy in children

This study prospectively evaluated the efficacy of caudal epidural block in providing analgesia following inguinal herniorrhaphy and laparoscopy. Laparoscopy was used only to inspect the contralateral side to determine if a second hernia was present. No surgical manipulation was performed through the telescope. Following mask induction with halothane in nitrous oxide and oxygen, a caudal epidural block was performed with 1.2 mL/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine. Pain scores were obtained at four points during the in-hospital postoperative course, and the need for supplemental analgesic agents was assessed. A total of 45 patients were studied. Caudal epidural block could not be performed in 1 patient, and this patient was excluded from further consideration. There were 34 boys and 10 girls, ranging in age from 2 to 84 months (mean +/- SD 37.4 +/- 18.2 months) and weighing from 3.4 to 34 kg (mean +/- SD 14.2 +/- 5.8 kg). Thirty-six of 44 patients (82%) did not require supplemental analgesic agents during their in-hospital postoperative course and had pain scores of 2 or less at all four evaluation points. Six of 8 patients required a single dose of intravenous fentanyl (0.5 microgram/kg) to maintain scores of 2 or less. No significant complications related to caudal epidural block were noted in any patient. Caudal epidural block provides effective analgesia following inguinal herniorrhaphy and laparoscopy in children.