What is a Caudal Block?
A caudal block is a form of regional anesthesia used for procedures involving the abdomen or lower extremities. It provides for excellent pain relief after surgery for six to eighteen hours, depending on the medication used. After the child is asleep, they are turned onto their side, the area over the tailbone is cleaned with sterile, antiseptic solution and an injection is given into an opening at the base of the tailbone. The child will wake up with the abdomen and legs feeling “numb”, but will still be able to move them. The procedure is very safe, with the most common complications (which are very rare) being infection at the injection site, itching (if a narcotic is injected with the block) and a failed block. Other options are available if a caudal block is not desired or the block fails, including local injection at the surgical site and intravenous pain medication.
