Continuous lumbar/thoracic epidural analgesia in low-weight paediatric surgical patients : practical aspects and pitfalls

Purpose Continuous epidural anaesthesia attenuates perioperative stress and avoids the need for systemic opioids. In addition, it may prevent the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation. The aim of the study was to prospectively follow the perioperative course of young infants treated with continuous thoracic/lumbar epidural anaesthesia for major surgery.