The Effect of Caudal Anesthesia Block on Perioperative Pain Control and Reduction of the Anesthetic Agent in Pediatric Infraumbilical Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial Study

BACKGROUND: Caudal epidural block (CEB) is a commonly performed neuraxial block to provide effective pain relief and analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgery. AIMS: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of adding CEB to general anesthesia (GA) in terms of intra- and postoperative pain management. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized case-controlled trial study. SETTING: Operation theater, and postoperative recovery rooms at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 patients aged 2 months to 6 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I were recruited over a 6-month period between December 2019 and May 2020. Patients were allocated into two groups (Group A, with CEB) or (Group B, without CEB). Both groups were compared based on hemodynamic stability, pain scores, level of sedation, analgesia need, and parental satisfaction. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using SPSS program. Categorical and numerical variables of both the groups were compared. RESULTS: Patients with CEB had better hemodynamic stability during the surgical procedure based on heart rate (P = 0.039). Pain intensity scores were less in patients with CEB than those without (P < 0.001). Fentanyl consumption was lower in Group A compared to Group B at the end of surgery (P = 0.002). They were also ambulated earlier and discharged sooner than those without CEB. Parental satisfaction was 92.1% in Group A compared to 63.9% in Group B (P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Adding CEB to GA for intraoperative and perioperative pain control in pediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgery makes it more effective, safe, and with better parental satisfaction.