[Thoracic epidural anesthesia by the caudal route in pediatric anesthesia: age is a limiting factor]

摘要: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the success and degree of difficulty inserting an epidural catheter into caudal space in order to place its distal end at T10 young patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven children up 97 months old were studied. With patients under general anesthesia with orotracheal tube, a predetermined length 18-G (Minipack: SYSTEM 2-Portex) was inserted T10. X-rays taken after surgery 0.3 ml iodine contrast. The considered well-placed if between T10-T12; approach classified as easy, difficult or impossible. RESULTS: placed T12-T10 on 16 occasions: 6 L1, 3 L2, 4 L3, 17 L4-L5, 1 S1. T10-T12 reached 52% year age, but only 17% older than year. L4-L5 46 47 catheters. Advance easy 41 cases, reaching objective. L1 none T10-T12. All catheters easily removed. CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible guarantee arrival thoracic by entering through route. In over level decreases significantly. Easy advance cannot be sign success.