Caudal Epidural Vs. TAP Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Pediatric Infraumbilical Surgery: a RCT

Launched by NAMIK KEMAL UNIVERSITY · Mar 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Postoperative pain management in pediatric patients is a challenge due to difficulties in pain assessment and concerns about opioid-related adverse effects. While caudal epidural block has traditionally been the standard of care for infraumbilical pediatric surgeries, ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has emerged as a promising alternative with the potential for longer-lasting analgesia and fewer motor block complications.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Hospital between December 2022 and December 2023. A total of 60...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Pediatric patients aged 1 to 7 years.
• • ASA Physical Status I-II.
• • Undergoing infraumbilical abdominal surgery (e.g., hernia repair, orchiopexy, circumcision).
• • Parental written informed consent obtained.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• * Contraindications to regional anesthesia, such as:
• • Coagulopathy or bleeding disorders.
• • Local infection at the injection site.
• • Known allergy to local anesthetics.
• • Neurological conditions (e.g., degenerative neuropathy, brain tumors, increased intracranial pressure).
• • Intellectual disabilities affecting pain assessment.
• • Chronic pain conditions or opioid use before surgery.
• • Parental refusal to participate in the study.

Trial Officials