Caudal Versus Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Supplementation of Caudal Analgesia in Children

Single shot caudal epidural block is one of the most widespread technique for pediatric pain management after infraumbilical surgical procedures.However, in a significant proportion of patients, despite good initial analgesia from a caudal block with local anesthetic, pain develops after the block resolves.

Dexmedetomidine is used increasingly in pediatric anesthesia practice to prolong the duration of action of caudal block with a local anesthetic agent.But which route of administration of clonidine is the most beneficial remains unknown.

The investigators performed prospective randomized double-blind study to compare the effects of caudal dexmedetomidine with intravenous dexmedetomidine on postoperative analgesia after caudal levobupivacaine for inguinal herniorrhaphy or orchidopexy surgery.

90 children (ASAⅠorⅡ,aged 2-5 yr) undergoing unilateral orchiopexy or inguinal herniorrhaphy were included in this study. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane via a facemask, followed by placement of a laryngeal mask airway. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane 2-3% in oxygen-air.Then,caudal block was applied. Patients were randomly assigned in three groups. Group Cau-DEX (n = 30): Caudal Levobupivacaine 0.25% 1ml/kg plus dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg and 10 ml normal saline i.v.;Group IV-DEX(n = 30): Levobupivacaine 0.25% 1ml/kg and dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg(10 ml)i.v.;Group Placebo(n = 30): Levobupivacaine 0.25% and 10 ml normal saline intravenous.

Inclusion criteria

• ASA status I-II
• aged 2-5 yr
• Undergoing unilateral orchiopexy/inguinal hernia repair

Exclusion criteria

• Hypersensitivity to any local anesthetics
• Patient has history of allergy, intolerance, or reaction to dexmedetomidine
• Infections at puncture sites
• Bleeding diathesis
• Preexisting neurological disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Children with uncorrected cardiac lesions
• Children with heart block or liver impairment