Acute Pain Management in a Child: A Case Report of 46-Days of Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Catheter

Abstract

Background: The use of perineural catheter for more than 72 hours is rare in perioperative practice, but was especially reported for chronic pain, oncologic related pain or palliative care. The main concern remains the risk of neurological or infectious complication. No guideline clearly specifies the maximum duration of perineural catheter maintenance and the safety of long-term catheters is discussed.

Safety Assessment of Prolonged Nerve Catheters in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A Case Series Study

“…Despite prolonged catheter use, the infection rate remained low, with no catheter-related infections or infections at the insertion site. This is comparable to a similar case report of a pediatric trauma patient who maintained a peripheral nerve catheter for 46 days (about 1 and a half months) [ 7 ].…”

“…However, in certain situations, longer catheter durations have been reported, including trauma and cancer patients. There is a case report of a pediatric trauma patient having a popliteal nerve catheter for 46 days (about 1 and a half months) [ 7 ]. Another case series reported placing continuous nerve catheters for 22–36 days (about 1 month 5 and a half days) in four different patients for pathologic fractures due to cancer pain [ 8 ].…”

New blocks on the kids: core basic nerve blocks in paediatric anaesthesia

“…Perineural catheters improve compliance with physiotherapy and aid limb mobilisation where the opposite limb can function normally [10,24]. Perineural catheters have been used for longer durations than the standard 48 h to 72 h postoperative period, particularly in children who have chronic pain, are under oncological/palliative care management or require continuous physiotherapy [25].…”