[Evaluation of 2 dosages of fentanyl in caudal anesthesia. A prospective randomized double-blind study]

A caudal block is currently performed in children. A randomized and double blind study including two dosages of fentanyl: 0.5 microgram.kg-1 (group I) and 1 micrograms.kg-1 (group II) in association with bupivacaine 0.25% at a dosage of 1 mL.kg-1 was carried out. Two groups of 25 children undergoing urogenital or orthopaedic surgery participated in this study. Analgesia and side effects were evaluated 24 hours postoperatively. Quality and duration of analgesia were similar in the two groups. Furthermore, recovery of anaesthesia was rapid and calm. The frequency of nausea and vomiting was respectively 24% and 20% in groups I and II and did not require any specific therapy. Therefore it appears that caudal block with bupivacaine 0.25% and fentanyl 0.5 microgram.kg-1 is a very satisfactory technique in children when indicated.