Comparison Between the Analgesic Effect of Fascia Transversalis Block vs Caudal Block

Comparison Between the Analgesic Effect of Fascia Transversalis Block vs Caudal Block in Pediatrics Undergoing Inguinal Hernia Surgeries: Randomized Double-blinded Comparative Study

Despite the growing interest in interfascial blocks and their successful use in pediatric surgeries, no previous randomized clinical trials have directly compared the analgesic efficacy, opioid-sparing effect, and safety profile of the fascia transversalis block versus the caudal block in pediatric patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair. This study aims to address this gap by providing the first head-to-head randomized comparison between both blocks in a standardized surgical setting

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA physical status I or II, scheduled for elective unilateral inguinal hernia surgery under general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parental refusal.
• Pre-existing infection at block site.
• Coagulopathy (defined as INR >1.5, Platelets <100,000).
• Known allergy to local anesthetics.
• History of complications from regional anesthesia.
• Emergency or bilateral hernia repair.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida).