Approach and Troubleshooting in Paediatric Regional Anaesthesia

Regional anaesthesia in paediatric population is the eminent and current highlight to provide pain relief during surgical procedures. It is a fairly recent concept with a steep learning curve since paediatric population has always been on the challenging and demanding end. This chapter not only highlights the methods and techniques for various neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks in the paediatric population but also accentuates troubleshooting for various complications that can emerge during these procedures. Since the anatomy and physiology of the paediatric group differ from the adult populace, careful tables and references have been contrived for the same. The drug dosages required for each procedure and the toxic dose levels have also been reinforced. This chapter effectively summarizes the contrast between the paediatric and adult populace and how children should not be treated as miniature adults. It also addresses the limitations faced while working with the paediatric cohorts. Not only does this chapter project the landmark techniques for performing the blocks, but it also gives an insight into using the ultrasound for every procedure. It also provides a precise description of the drugs used in a tabulated form for a facile grasping of the concept. It also covers the preoperative and postoperative care of the children. The scope of this chapter thus focuses on a few areas that are rare and taxing.