CAUDAL BUPIVACAINE FOR POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN PEDIATRIC LOWER-LIMB SURGERY

One hundred children aged 1 to 15 years were randomly allocated to two equal groups. All underwent cold orthopedic surgery to the lower limb, of more than 1 hour's duration with a standard anesthetic technique. One group received caudal bupivacaine 0.25%, 0.7 mL/kg, and one group acted as controls. There were no cases of fecal incontinence in the theater complex but urinary incontinence in the immediate recovery phase increased from 14% in the control group to 34% in the caudal group (P<.05). The caudal block had a duration of effect lasting 5 to 6 hours, and provided better recovery room analgesia (P<.01). The advantages for the child are discussed. © 1993 W.B. Saunders Company. All rights reserved.