A Comparison Between Caudal Epidural Analgesia and Paracetamol Suppository in Relieving Pain after Inguinal Hernia Repair in Pediatric Age Group

Abstract

Background: the control of postoperative pain is important in children, and poor pain control leads to organ
dysfunction and behavioral problem.
Aim of study: we compare the analgesic effect of bupivacaine by caudal block root and acetaminophen suppository
on postoperative pain in pediatric inguinal hernial repair surgery.
Patient and Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled trail of 40 children, aged between (1-7 years), ASA
grade I-II, scheduled for elective day case unilateral inguinal surgery. For all the patients included in this study,
a standardized controlled anesthetic protocol was used. Preoperatively the patients were randomized into two
groups according to the operation waiting lists. group 1 included (18) patients who received single - shot caudal
block with (1ml/kg) of 25% bupivacaine preoperatively after induction of anesthesia by the anesthetist, group 2
included (22) patients who received (15-20 mg/kg) acetaminophen suppository.
Results: The number of patients (who had first three hours free of pain); was significantly higher in the Caudal
group than those of the other group. Patients of the Caudal group; needed significantly a longer duration of time
for the first analgesic drug. Patients of the Caudal group; had significantly a lower (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry,
Consolability scale) in (1/2, 1, and 2 hours) time intervals of the study.
Conclusion: Caudal anesthesia with bupivacaine has better painless period postoperatively.