The effect of a combination of rectal diclofenac and caudal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia in children.

Both caudal anaesthesia and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been used in the management of postoperative pain in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the combination of caudal analgesia and rectally administered diclofenac in the treatment of pain following minor surgery in children. Thirty-nine, ASA grade 1 or 2, children undergoing inguinal or penoscrotal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either a caudal block using 0.125% bupivacaine with adrenaline or a similar caudal block in combination with rectally administered diclofenac 1 mg.kg-1. Children given a caudal block alone were more likely to need analgesia in the first 24 h postoperatively. It would appear that the combination of a caudal block and rectal diclofenac in children undergoing minor lower abdominal surgery reduces the need for subsequent analgesia.