BackgroundCaudal block is easily performed because the landmarks are superficial. However, the sacral hiatus is small and shallow in pediatric patients. In the present study, we evaluated under general anesthesia whether the distance between the bilateral superolateral sacral crests increased with growth, whether an equilateral triangle was formed between the apex of the sacral hiatus and the bilateral superolateral sacral crests, and whether expansion of the epidural space could be confirmed by ultrasound.MethodsThis prospective observational study included 282 children who were ASA I–II. Under general anesthesia, each patient was placed in the lateral bent knees position, and the attending anesthesiologist drew an equilateral triangle and measured the distance between the bilateral superolateral sacral crests along a line forming the base of the triangle. Then the sacral hiatus was identified by ultrasound. Differences of the distance between the anatomical landmarks measured by the anesthetist and by ultrasound were evaluated.ResultsTwo patients were excluded because the superolateral sacral crests and sacral hiatus could not be palpated. The base of the triangle increased in proportion to age up to 10 years old, with a significant correlation between age and the length of the base (Spearman’s r value = 0.97). The triangle was not an equilateral triangle under 7 years old. The sacral hiatus could be identified by ultrasound and we could confirm expansion of the epidural space in all patients.ConclusionWe observed a correlation between age and the length of the triangle base in children under 10 years old. Although detection of the anatomical landmarks by palpation differed from identification by ultrasound in pediatric patients, performing ultrasound is important. Epinephrine should be added to the anesthetic to avoid complications.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials UMIN000017898. Registered 14 June 2015. Date of protocol fixation was 1st December, 2008 and Anticipated trial start date was 5th January, 2009.
These results show that the i-gel airway is a safe and effective device for use by residents who do not have experience with insertion of a pediatric LMA. However, using size 1.5, special caution should be taken to protect the infant airway, similar to what has been previously reported for other airway devices.
Purpose: Objective of this study was to determine whether video assisted anesthesia induction reduced pediatric patients' stress. Methods: With approval from the local ethics committee and parental informed consent, 75 children undergoing minor surgery were investigated in this prospective observational study. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 was aged two to three years old, group 2 was aged four to six years old and group 3 was aged from seven to ten years old. The following three characteristics were evaluated: 1) the pulse rate at four points (the ward, the entrance at the operating room, mask notification and the mask fit); 2) the behavioral score in the operating room; 3) the amount of pain killers after the operation. Results: In group 1 (N = 20), there was a significant difference between the control group and the video assisted group regarding the percentage change in pulse rate based on the children's ward when the patients looked at the mask. In group 2 (N = 26), there was no significant difference regarding any points. In group 3 (N = 29), there was a significant difference between control and video assisted group regarding the percentage change in pulse rate based on the children's ward for all points. Also, regarding to the behavioral score, there was a significant difference between the control group and the video assisted group of all ages. However, there was no significant difference regarding the use of NSAIDs in the postoperative period between the control and the video assisted group. Conclusion: These results show that the video assisted anesthesia induction is effective for pediatric patients.
Administration of epinephrine into the epidural space was safe in young rats. While reduction of epidural blood flow was observed, there was no spinal ischemia.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.