Caudal block | caudal block
DrSteveRobertsContentIndicationsSpecificcontraindicationsAnatomyTechniqueVolumeofLASpecificcomplicationsSelf-AssessmentBibliographyIndicationsAcaudalblockprovidesintraoperativeandpostoperativeanalgesiaforinfraumbilicalandlowerlimbsurgery.Inchildrenolderthan2yearsofagecephaladspreadisincreasinglyunreliable;inthesecircumstancesalternativetechniquese.g.truncalblockordirectlumbar/thoracicepiduralshouldbeconsidered.Specifically,itmaybeusefulforthefollowingoperations:CircumcisionHypospadiasLowerab...
Dr Steve Roberts
Content
IndicationsSpecific contraindicationsAnatomyTechniqueVolume of LASpecific complicationsSelf-AssessmentBibliography
Indications
A caudal block provides intraoperative and postoperative analgesia for infraumbilical and lower limb surgery.
In children older than 2 years of age cephalad spread is increasingly unreliable; in these circumstances alternative techniques e.g. truncal block or direct lumbar/thoracic epidural should be considered.
Specifically, it may be useful for the following operations:
Circumcision Hypospadias Lower abdominal surgery e.g. ilioinguinal hernia repair Lower limb surgery e.g. club foot correctionCaudal catheters will be discussed in a separate section.
Specific contraindicationsSpinal dysraphism (not cutaneous stigmata of spinal dysraphism, US allows screening of the spine).
Anatomy
The caudal epidural space is the lowest section of the epidural space ...