Spinal anesthesia in infants

Abstract

Spinal anesthesia is an extremely stable anesthetic in infants with minimal impact on cardiac and respiratory physiology. Initial reports centered on its use in minor surgical procedures such as inguinal hernia repair and circumcision. However, its applications have broadened considerably over the past decade. Spinal anesthesia has now been reported for use in major surgical procedures in neonates including upper abdominal and cardiac surgery. As experience with the technique spreads, its use will likely continue to increase. A limitation of spinal anesthesia in this ge group is its relatively brief duration of action and inability to provide analgesia into the postoperative period. Combined spinal and epidural techniques may be one solution to this problem.