Dexamethasone as an adjuvant in caudal blocks for paediatric patients undergoing hernia repair surgeries.

Dr Jitendra Kumar Grover; Dr. Seema Shende

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Dexamethasone as an adjuvant in caudal blocks for paediatric patients undergoing hernia repair surgeries.

Dr Jitendra Kumar Grover, Dr. Seema Shende

Abstract :

Background :

Caudal block is the anesthesia of choice for lower abdominal surgeries in paediatric patients.The effect of single bolus caudal block can be prolonged by adding adjuvant.We study the effect of dexamethasone as an adjuvant in caudal block in paediatric hernia repair surgery.

Methodology:

80 patients of age 1-6 years,scheduled for hernia repair surgeries under caudal blockwere randomly divided into two equal groups.In Group BS (n=40) caudal block was given with bupivacaine0.25% 1ml/kg +1ml saline and in Group BD bupivacaine0.25% 1ml/kg+0.1mg/kg dexamethasone was used. Duration of analgesia,rescue analgesia requirement in 24 hoursand side effects were recorded.

Results:Duration of postoperative analgesia in Group BD versus Group BS(731.25�67.41 vs 215.50�35.94 min,p<0.05) .Requirement of rescue analgesic was less in group BD.

Conclusion: Dexamethasone as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic in caudal block is effective in prolongation of analgesia and decreases requirement of rescue analgesia has no postoperative complications.