Overview
This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of temperature change (ΔT) measurements using infrared thermography to predict a successful erector spinae plane block in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia.
Description
Lower abdominal surgeries, including inguinal hernia repair, have been performed extensively in the daily practice of pediatric surgeries, so ensuring sufficient intraand post-operative analgesia is crucial for perioperative care.
The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a regional anesthetic technique. Early detection of successful ESPB in pediatric patients will enable the application of rescue techniques at the appropriate time, thereby improving patient satisfaction and reducing operating theatre time.
There is considerable evidence regarding the value of infrared thermography in predicting successful nerve blocks. Infrared thermography is the process of using a thermal image to detect radiation (heat) coming from an object, converting it to temperature, and displaying an image of the temperature distribution.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age from 3 months to 6 years.
- Both genders.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I-II.
- Children undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia surgery.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Parents' or guardians' refusal
- Known Allergy to local anesthetics.
- Coagulopathy [international normalised ratio (INR) >1.4 or platelets <75.000].
- Infection at the site of injection or wound close to the puncture site.
- preexisting neuropathy (with sensory and/or motor deficits).
- Diseases interfere with thermal imaging (as skin infections).
- Baseline oesophageal body temperature of more than 37.5 °C.
- Emergency and re-do cases will be excluded.