Regional anaesthesia in paediatric surgery: results of 2200 children

Objectives: To evaluate paediatric regional anaesthesia applications in 2200 children at Diyarbakir Children's Hosptial, Turkey. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done from January 2005 and October 2009. Paediatric regional anaesthesia applications in 2200 children were retrospectively analysed and included in this study. Demographic data, operation type, choice of regional anaesthesia, local anaesthetics, adjuvant drugs, side effects and complications were recorded. Results: Mean age was 6 4 years and mean weight 21.1 +/- 10.7 kg. There were 317 (14.4%) girls, and 1883 (85.6%) boys. Of the 2200 cases studied, 2088 (94%) received caudal epidural block, 59 (3%) received spinal block, 34 (%2) had lumbar epidural block and 19 (1%) received dorsal penile nerve block Conclusion: In paediatric anaesthetic practice, caudal epidural block is used widely. However, paediatric regional anaesthesia should be supported and developed further by obtaining essential materials and devices. Variety of both neuraxial blocks and peripheral nerve blocks under sedation/general anaesthesia should also be increased.