Caudal blockade as the main component of general anesthesia during surgical interventions for necrotic enterocolitis in newborns

Abstract

Necrotic enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most complex and least studied problems in neonatal surgery, which significantly affects mortality rates. Aim of the study: Determination of the safest and most effective method of anesthesia during surgical interventions for necrotic enterocolitis in newborns. Material and methods of the study: We conducted a study of two variants of anesthesia, namely non-inhalation anesthesia using dormicum and caudal block, as the first option, and propofol in combination with caudal block as the second version of the technique. The results of the study: The adequacy of caudal anesthesia with lidocaine at a dose of 6 mg/kg was evaluated based on the onset of symptoms of a nociceptive hemodynamic reaction (tachycardia, arterial hypertension, increased stroke volume, and cardiac output). An analysis of the technique of balanced caudal anesthesia, as part of general anesthesia, which we use in surgical interventions for NEC in newborns revealed its high efficiency. The frequency of side effects of caudal blockade and complications in connection with its implementation was insignificant. The listed complications were not threatening the patient’s life and the prognosis of the course of the postoperative period. According to the literature, complications associated with the technique of creating the caudal block are quite rare.