Sedation with continuously infused propofol in caudal block for elective pediatric surgery

: Twenty-nine patients aged between 2 months and 6 years, undergoing general surgery under regional analgesia (caudal block) combined with continuous infusion of propofol (3 mg/kg/h), were studied. During anesthesia the heart rate, the arterial pressure, the SaO2 and respiratory rate were recorded; the electrocardiogram was continuously displayed and all side-effects occurring during maintenance and recovery from anesthesia were noted. Satisfactory sedation without significant respiratory and cardiovascular depression and a rapid recovery, was observed. In conclusion, we feel that the use of combined caudal block and continuous infusion of propofol for paediatric surgery is rational.