Caudal analgesia in children. Five hundred cases for procedures below the diaphragm

Abstract

The author's first 300 caudal anaesthetics in children up to the age of 10 years are reviewed. Emphasis is laid upon sedation, both by premedication and by the anaesthetic technique. Nearly all the children were anaesthetised briefly for the sacral injection. Despite high levels of blockade, cardiovascular stability was well maintained, particularly in the younger children. There was a good correlation between volume of injection per unit of body weight and level of blockade. Dosage can be calculated on this basis for operations on the perineum, lower and groin with 97 to 98% confidence. The volume of solution appeared to be more important than its concentration in determining extent of blockade.