Occurrence of Total Spinal Anesthesia after Caudal Anesthesia in a Newborn Patient: A Case Report of a Challenging Complication

Abstract

A 2-month and 13-day-old boy underwent surgery for a right inguinal hernia. During the procedure, a caudal block was performed using 4 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine injected with an epinephrine-soaked syringe. Before the injection, we confirmed that there was no blood or cerebrospinal fluid present. However, shortly after the injection, the patient experienced respiratory apnea and a slow heart rate. The medical team provided respiratory and cardiac support and closely monitored the patient. After a day and a half, the patient was discharged with no further complications.

Keywords

• Caudal anesthesia
• caudal block
• Total spinal anesthesia
• inguinal hernia surgery