Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Caudal Dexamethasone versus Intravenous Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant to Caudal Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Lower limb orthopedic Surgeries

Abstract

Background Lower limb orthopedic surguries are one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the pediatric population. Using optimal analgesic regimen provide safe and effective analgesia, reduce postoperative stress response and accelerate recovery from surgery. Regional anesthetic techniques are commonly used to facilitate pain control in pediatric surgical procedures. The most commonly used techniques in pediatrics is caudal block. Aim of the Work This study is conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of dexamethasone when given systemically versus caudally as an adjuvant to caudal block for children undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 50 randomly chosen patients in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. Patients were divided randomly into two groups, each group consisted of 25 patients. Results The results of the study revealed that dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg, when used as an adjuvant to caudal anesthesia, can significantly prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia. It is better than IV dexamethasone at similar doses in controlling postoperative pain. Conclusion From our study, we can conclude that dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg, when used as an adjuvant to caudal anesthesia, can significantly prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia. It is better than IV dexamethasone at similar doses in controlling postoperative pain.