Does Low Dose of Dexamethasone Enhance Analgesic Quality of Caudal Analgesia in Children Undergoing Orchiopexy?

Does Low Dose of Dexamethasone Enhance Analgesic Quality of Caudal Analgesia in Children Undergoing Orchiopexy?

Caudal block is one of the most effective modalities to reduce pain both during and after the surgery involving areas under the umbilicus. According to previous research, 0.5mg/kg-1.5mg/kg dexamethasone is known to enhance the analgesic quality of caudal block in children. Despite the fact that this high dose of dexamethasone is used to treat airway edema in actual practice and no adverse side effect related to dosage has been reported, it is 3 to 15 times higher than the daily antiemetic dose of dexamethasone that is used in standard care of anesthesia. Therefore, our study aims to assess the effect of the more practical, antiemetic dose of dexamethasone (0.15mg/kg) as an adjuvant to enhance the quality of caudal block through a non-inferiority trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages from 6 months old to 6 years old
2. Body weight Less than or equal to 16.7kg
3. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I or II
4. Patients receiving orchiopexy under general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with uncorrected cardiac anomalies
2. Patients with vertebral anomalies
3. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
4. Diagnosis of adrenal disease
5. Currently on steroid
6. Body temperature above 37.5'C preoperatively
7. Allergy to dexamethasone
8. Laparoscopic surgery