Central neural blockade in paediatrics

When performed carefully by experienced anaesthetists, central neural blocks in children can provide excellent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. In selected groups of patients these techniques reduce the morbidity associated with surgery and anaesthesia, and can favourably influence the postoperative course. The same standards of preoperative assessment and regard to contraindications, technical competence, sterility and postoperative monitorings apply as in adults. There is a background incidence of predictable side effects and a very low incidence of potentially serious complications with an incidence in the region of 0.15%. Most of these are easily managed when competent personnel and appropriate equipment and support are available.