Comparison of Post-Operative Analgesia of Caudal versus Dorsal Penile Nerve Blocks for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Hypospadias Repair

Abstract

Abstract Background Hypospadias is the second most common congenital disorder in males after cryptorchidism, but it is the most common penile congenital malformation. It is an abnormality of anterior urethral and penile development in which the urethral opening is ectopically located on the ventral aspect of the penis proximal to the tip of the glans penis, which, in this condition, is splayed open. The urethral opening may be located as far down as in the scrotum or perineum. The penis is more likely to have associated ventral shortening and curvature, called chordee, with more proximal urethral defects. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of penile block versus caudal block using bupivacaine on the quality of analgesia after hypospadias repair in pediatrics. Methodology This prospective randomized comparative clinical study was conducted in Ain Shams University Hospitals; Pediatric Surgery Unit. It included 30 male patient aged (1–8) years, ASA I or II patients undergoing hypospadias (distal penile and mid penile) repair. They were divided into two groups: Group P: Penile block (n = 15) received dorsal penile nerve block by using the subpubic approach technique. Group C: Caudal block (n = 15) received caudal epidural block using a 22-G needle in the lateral decubitus position. Results There was statistically high significant difference between the two groups in postoperative MAP and HR (p value <0.001) but no statistically significant difference between them in Spo2. FLACC pain scores were significantly lower in group C compared with group P at PACU and 3 hours postoperative (p value <0.001) but no statistically significant difference between them at 6, 9 and 12 hours postoperative. Also, The time for first rescue analgesia was significantly longer in caudal group compared with penile group (P < 0.001) and the total analgesia consumption was also significantly lower (P < 0.001) in group C compared with group P. Postoperative time of ambulation was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in group P compared with group C. Conclusion The current study revealed that Caudal block provided significantly prolonged postoperative analgesia, reduced the postoperative analgesic requirements and prolonged time of ambulation as compared with Penile block in pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias repair.