A proposal for a new classification of complications in craniosynostosis surgery.

OBJECTIVE Complications have been used extensively to facilitate evaluation of craniosynostosis practice. However, description of complications tends to be nonstandardized, making comparison difficult. The authors propose a new pragmatic classification of complications that relies on prospective data collection, is geared to capture significant morbidity as well as any "near misses" in a systematic fashion, and can be used as a quality improvement tool.

Caudal injectate can be reliably imaged using portable ultrasound--a preliminary study.

Background: Correct caudal cannula placement is essential for block success and the avoidance of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the use of a saline injection test bolus with ultrasound (US) imaging to identify correct cannula placement for caudal anesthesia.

Methods: A prospective observational study of 60 children undergoing caudal anesthesia.