Comparison of Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Caudal Block Versus Spinal Block With Levobupivacaine for Inguinal Hernia in Children

Neuraxial analgesia may improve postoperative outcomes for high-risk children who are susceptible to respiratory complications (post-operative apnea). In this population, spinal anesthesia has been proposed as a means to reduce post-operative complications, especially apnea and post-operative respiratory dysfunction, although this utility has been questioned.

Spinal anesthesia modifies the neuroendocrine stress response, ensures a more rapid recovery, and may shorten hospital stay with fewer opioid-induced side effects.

Caudal analgesia along with general anesthesia is a very popular regional technique for prolonged postoperative analgesia in different pediatric surgical procedures where the surgical site is sub-umbilical. Caudal anesthetics usually provide an-algesia for approximately 4-6 hours.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 2-10 years.
• Weight: 15-40 kg.
• Sex: both males and females.
• ASA physical status: 1-II.
• Operation: surgery below the umbilicus.

Exclusion criteria

• Allergic reaction to local anesthetics (LAs).
• Local or systemic infection (risk of meningitis).
• Intracranial hypertension.
• Hydrocephalus.
• Intracranial hemorrhage.
• Coagulopathy.
• Hypovolemia.
• Parental refusal.
• Spinal deformities, such as spina bifida or myelomeningocele.
• Presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt because of a risk of shunt infection or dural leak.