A Comparison of Caudal Epidural with Intravenous Ketamine Anaesthesia in Below Umbilicus Surgery in Paediatric Patients

Abstract

Background: Caudal epidural block has been found to be a safe and simple technique in paediatric surgery below umbilicus. This study was done to make a clinical comparison between effectiveness of caudal epidural and general anaesthesia with total intravenous Ketamine, in terms of intra-op and post-op analgesia. Subjects and Methods: Fifty patients in age group 1-12 years undergoing surgery below umbilicus were divided into 2 groups .Each group had 25 patients belonging to ASA groups 1 and 2. Group A was given general anaesthesia with total intravenous Ketamine. Group B received Caudal Epidural block under brief general anaesthesia with thiopentone. Results: Caudal block using injection 1% xylocaine was found to be a valuable technique of anaesthesia in paediatric surgery below umbilicus as it offered greater advantage of post op analgesia up to 6 hours. The recovery of consciousness was rapid on account of light general anaesthesia. Conclusion: Caudal blocks are effective in alleviating pain during intra op and post op period in sub-umbilical surgeries in paediatric patients. They offer perioperative hemodynamic stability along with the added advantage of minimal post-op side effects.