What's new in pediatric paravertebral analgesia

Paravertebral nerve block is a very effective method of postoperative pain control that is ideal for certain unilateral operative procedures in which bilateral blockade is not necessary. The quality of the block may be superior to that seen with epidural analgesia. Paravertebral nerve blockade in children has primarily involved the use of postoperative infusions of local anesthetic via indwelling catheters for renal and thoracic surgery. Its use has thus been mostly limited to the inpatient population. Recently, bolus injections into the paravertebral space have been shown to be effective in adults undergoing outpatient surgery, yet experience with this technique in children is limited. This article briefly reviews the current use of paravertebral blockade in children and using case illustration, specifically outlines the use of paravertebral blockade for outpatient inguinal surgery in children. It also includes a description of the many benefits of the technique in this population. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author John Bright Eck Anesthesiology, Pediatrics

Author Allison Kinder Ross Anesthesiology, Pediatrics