Ultrasound-guided trunk and core blocks in infants and children

J Anesth. 2013 Feb;27(1):109-23. doi: 10.1007/s00540-012-1476-5. Epub 2012 Sep 25.

Abstract

Regional anesthetic techniques for perioperative analgesia in children are being increasingly utilized with the reported advantages of providing superior analgesia, decreasing opioid consumption, and reducing opioid-related adverse effects. The following article reviews the available literature regarding core and trunk blocks in infants and children; specifically, transversus abdominis plane, ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve, rectus sheath, lumbar plexus, and paravertebral and intercostal nerve blockade. The common indications and potential complications and adverse effects for each block are presented. Additionally, the anatomy and techniques needed for their performance are reviewed. Finally, a summary of the relevant literature in relation to each peripheral nerve block technique is included.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Wall / anatomy & histology
  • Abdominal Wall / diagnostic imaging
  • Anesthesia, Spinal
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Hypogastric Plexus / diagnostic imaging
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intercostal Nerves / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbosacral Plexus / diagnostic imaging
  • Nerve Block / adverse effects
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Rectus Abdominis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*