Breaking Down Complications With Locoregional Anesthesia: A Game-Changer for Pain Management in Pediatric Emergencies

Gentili L, Scimia P, D'Agostino M, De Cato A, Pasqualucci A, Varrassi G, Angeletti C. (December 07, 2024)
Breaking Down Complications With Locoregional Anesthesia: A Game-Changer for Pain Management in Pediatric Emergencies.
Cureus 16(12): e75299. doi:10.7759/cureus.75299

Abstract

The management of postoperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing emergency surgical procedures, particularly in non-pediatric hospitals, presents significant challenges due to the unique physiological requirements of children. The utilization of opioid analgesia may result in severe complications, necessitating a transition toward multimodal analgesia, which integrates various pain management strategies to enhance effectiveness while mitigating adverse effects. Locoregional anesthesia techniques, such as fascial plane blocks, provide targeted pain alleviation, reducing dependence on opioids. Recent advancements in ultrasound-guided methodologies have markedly improved safety and precision in this context. This report presents two cases involving pediatric patients aged eight and 12 years who underwent urgent posttraumatic open splenectomy. Both patients exhibited stable hemodynamic parameters and had no significant prior medical history. Following surgery, they received an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block (RSB) and dynamic transversus abdominis plane blocks (TAPBs) utilizing a mixture of ropivacaine, dexamethasone, and clonidine. Fentanyl was administered before and during the surgical procedures, which lasted approximately 75 minutes. Upon regaining consciousness, both patients indicated a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score of 0. They required only a single dose of intravenous acetaminophen for pain relief, demonstrating effective opioid-free pain management and achieving a high level of parental satisfaction. Combined RSB and TAPB provide adequate and safe postoperative pain management for pediatric patients undergoing emergency splenectomy in a non-pediatric hospital setting. This approach can reduce opioid dependence and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore the broader application of locoregional anesthesia techniques for pediatric emergency surgery in non-pediatric settings.