Comparison of the Success Rates and Haemodynamic Changes of Caudal Block .and Dorsal Penile Nerve Block in Paediatric Day-Case Circumcision

Abstract

Background: Regional anaesthetic techniques such as caudal block and dorsal penile nerve block arc safe and provide very effective postoperative pain relief for circumcision. However, the two need to be compared for their success rates and haemodynamic changes. The objectives of the study were to compare the success rates and the haemodynamic changes of caudal block and dorsal penile nerve blocks for circumcision for day-case surgery in paediatric patients.
Methods: This was a prospective interventional randomized double blinded study. All paediatric patients aged 1-5 years and ASA I and II for circumcisions were recruited. The patients were randomly allocated by blind balloting into either group A (caudal block) and group B (dorsal penile nerve block). Patient's age, pulse rate, blood pressure, we ight and the success rates of each block were assessed, documented and analyzed.
Results: A total of 218 children booked for day case circumcision were recruited for this study; 109 children in each group A and B. However, successful blocks was achieved in 107 children in the caudal block group (98.17%) and 104 children in the dorsal penile nerve block group (95.41 %) p = 0.07. The caudal block group had fewer fluctuations in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes during the intraoperat ive period.
Conclusion: The results showed a higher success rate with caudal block and less post-operative haemodynamic changes among 1- 5 years old paediatric patients presenting for day case circumcision.

Key words: Circumcision, Caudal block, Dorsal Penile Nerve Block