Neuraxial anaesthetic techniques in children: Using the evidence to make it safer

Abstract

Persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) is a recognised complication following a surgical insult in children, with a prevalence of 20% at one year postop.¹ As anaesthetists caring for children, the question posed to us is simply: How can this child be guided through this traumatic event safely, while at the same time minimising his/her pain and suffering? We tend to prioritise safety, while largely neglecting pain control. This results in significant moderate-severe postsurgical pain, with all the deleterious consequences thereof. In the South African context, where postoperative pain management is a largely neglected priority and concerns around nursing care in wards are prevalent, neuraxial techniques remain an important method of providing good postoperative analgesia for painful procedures.