Ultrasound Verification of Laparoscopic-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks in Children Undergoing Laparoscopic Procedures.

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been demonstrated to decrease postoperative pain; however, laparoscopic-assisted TAP (L-TAP) blocks have not been well studied in children. Our study utilized intraoperative ultrasound to verify whether surgeon-administered blocks using only laparoscopic visualization were reliably delivered into the correct plane. Patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures were enrolled to receive L-TAP blocks.

Pectoral nerve blocks decrease postoperative pain and opioid use after pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement in children.

Background: Pectoral nerve blocks (PECs) can reduce intraprocedural anesthetic requirements and postoperative pain. Little is known about the utility of PECs in reducing pain and narcotic use after pacemaker (PM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement in children.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether PECs can decrease postoperative pain and opioid use after PM or ICD placement in children.

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block: A pooled review of 242 cases.

Study Objective: The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) was first described in 2016 as a regional block for thoracic neuropathic pain. Given its short history, there are a paucity of controlled clinical trials, yet an abundance of case reports. The primary aim of this review is to examine pooled clinical data from published literature to gain an understanding of ESPB characteristics.

Initial assessment and management of pediatric trauma patients.

Injury is the leading cause of death and disability in children. Each year, almost one in six children in the United States require emergency department (ED) care for the treatment of injuries, and more than 10,000 children die from injuries. Severely injured children need to be transported to a facility that is staffed 24/7 by personnel experienced in the management of children, and that has all the appropriate equipment to diagnose and manage injuries in children.

Sedation and anesthesia for the pediatric patient undergoing radiation therapy.

Purpose Of Review: Radiation oncology is a cornerstone in the treatment of cancer in children. Although painless, there is a requirement for the child to lie still by themselves in the radiation treatment room, for multiple daily or twice daily treatments for up to 6 weeks. Anesthesia or sedation is usually necessary to achieve this in younger children.