PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO PAIN MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN: Lecture: REGIONAL ANANESTHESIA: NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVING ACCURACY

Objectives: Regional anesthesia can provide absolute pain relief without the risks of opiate induced respiratory depression. The purpose of this lecture is to provide an insight into some new techniques that (i) may improve the success and accuracy of peripheral nerve blocks, with particular reference to the role of nerve mapping, nerve stimulators and portable ultrasound; (ii) methods to prolong the analgesia provided by peripheral nerve blocks i.e. continuous peripheral nerve catheters appropriate for use in children; and (iii) methods to manage local anaesthetic toxicity with particular reference to the use of intralipid solutions.