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Caudal injectate can be reliably imaged using portable ultrasound – a preliminary study
Author(s) -
ROBERTS STEVEN A.,
GURUSWAMY VELU,
GALVEZ IGNACIO
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
pediatric anesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.704
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1460-9592
pISSN - 1155-5645
DOI - 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01606.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cannula , saline , ultrasound , bolus (digestion) , anesthesia , intravenous bolus , nuclear medicine , radiology , surgery
Summary Background : Correct caudal cannula placement is essential for block success and the avoidance of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the use of a saline injection test bolus with ultrasound (US) imaging to identify correct cannula placement for caudal anesthesia. Methods : A prospective observational study of 60 children undergoing caudal anesthesia. A Sonosite 180 Plus (Sonosite Inc., Bothwell, WA) was used to image the spine and look for caudal space expansion secondary to saline injection. Results : Saline test bolus correctly identified position in 96.5% of all subjects, and was 100% successful in children under 2 years of age. Conclusions : These preliminary results suggest saline test bolus under US imaging is a reliable indicator of correct cannula position for caudal block. We found it safe, quick to perform, and provided additional useful information.