Regional Anesthesia EMG Study

Assessment of Regional Anesthetic Blockade Using Non-Invasive Surface Electromyogram (EMG)

This study aims to investigate how non-invasive, non-significant risk EMG monitoring can be used intraoperatively to objectively characterize neuraxial anesthesia (i.e. spinal and caudal blockade) in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. The investigators will also attempt to measure the effect of adjunctive intrathecal clonidine on spinal and caudal blockade using EMG. This study also aims to quantify the impact of sevoflurane on basal muscle tone based on EMG changes. This study aims to generate pilot data on this subject to help design future studies.

This study aims to investigate how non-invasive, non-significant risk EMG monitoring can be used intraoperatively to objectively characterize neuraxial anesthesia (i.e. spinal and caudal blockade) in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. The investigators will also attempt to measure the effect of adjunctive intrathecal clonidine on spinal and caudal blockade using EMG. This study also aims to quantify the impact of sevoflurane on basal muscle tone based on EMG changes. This study aims to generate pilot data on this subject to help design future studies. The hypothesis is that EMG monitoring can be utilized to objectively measure neuraxial blockade, including onset, resolution, density, and dermatomal level.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Group 1 (GA + penile block): age 5 years or below getting: circumcision or circumcision revision
• Group 2-5 (SA or GA + CA): age 5 years or below getting: penile or scrotal surgery, inguinal hernia repair, Achilles tendon lengthening, other applicable urological procedures
• Group 6 (GA only): age 5 years or below getting: operative dentistry, urological or ENT procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• parent refusal
• systemic infection
• spine or CNS abnormalities
• medication allergy
• adhesive allergy