Research Article - Current Pediatric Research (2023) Volume 27, Issue 12

Spinal anesthesia in pediatric surgical patients with high risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events: Experience at a tertiary care hospital of north India with limited resource settings.

Background: In the pediatric population, Spinal Anesthesia (SA) has been used sporadically since it is usually saved for patients whose perceived risk of general anesthesia is high because of coexisting disorders.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility,safety and hemodynamic stability related to pediatric spinal anesthesia.

Methods: In this 5-year prospective study, 112 paediatric patients aged 1 month to 5 years of age were recruited. Spinal anesthesia was administered using hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg (for child <5 kg), 0.4 mg/kg (for 5-15 kg), 0.3 mg/kg (for >15 kg) in L4–L5 space under all aseptic precautions after sedation. Demographic data, risk factor assessment, vital parameters, supplemental sedation, sensory-motor block characteristics, and complications if any, were noted.

Results: A total of 112 spinal anesthesia were performed in infants and children up to 5 years of age. The mean duration of the surgery was 45.21 ± 14.86 minutes. Hemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP, HR, and Spo²) remained stable at all points of time during perioperative period. Inhaled sevoflurane was the most common (n=80, 83%) sedative used for the procedure. No perioperative complications related to SA were observed.

Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia in pediatric patients who are high risk for GA.

Author(s): Shafat A Mir , Majid Jehangir , Raashid Hamid , Rashid Javad Fazli , Akshat SudhanshuMushtaq, Altaf Hussain Mir, Khalid Sofi

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