Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia and paediatric surgery

Regional anaesthesia is an important part of paediatric anaesthesia and plays a key role in peri-operative multimodal analgesic regimens. In recent years, the popularity of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks has significantly increased out of the recognition of its higher efficacy and safety. Its importance is further enhanced in paediatrics and especially in neonates as there are restrictions in the volume and maximum dosage of local anaesthetic that can be used. Ultrasound has allowed the usage of significantly smaller doses and concentrations by direct deposition of the drug around the nerve. It also allows the dynamic visualisation of the advancement of the block needle, adjacent anatomical structures and allows dynamic vision of local anaesthetic spread.