Is Preoperative Anxiety Affected by Watching Short Videos on Social Media? A Prospective Randomized Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of watching short videos in the preoperative waiting room on preoperative anxiety in children. DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized trial including 69 ASA I-II patients aged 5 to 12 years who were scheduled for elective surgery. METHODS: The children were randomly allocated to two groups. The experimental group browsed short videos on a social media platform (eg, YouTube short, TikTok, Instagram reels) for 20 minutes in the preoperative waiting room, but the control group did not. Children's preoperative anxiety was determined by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) at different time points: on arrival in the preoperative waiting room (T1), right before being taken to the operating room (OR) (T2), on entering the OR (T3), and during anesthesia induction (T4). The primary outcome of the study was children's anxiety scores at T2. FINDINGS: The mYPAS scores at T1 were similar in both groups (P = .571). The mYPAS scores at T2, T3, and T4 were significantly lower in the video group than in the control group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Watching short videos on social media platforms in the preoperative waiting room lowered preoperative anxiety levels in pediatric patients aged 5 to 12.

Investigating the Effects of Protective Face Masks on the Respiratory Parameters of Children in the Postanesthesia Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of protective face mask usage during the postoperative period on carbon dioxide retention in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized trial including 40 ASA I-II patients aged 3 to 10 years who were scheduled for elective surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. The first group (group 1) received O2 treatment over the protective face mask. In the second group (group 2), the protective face mask was worn over the O2 delivery system. Heart rate, oxygen saturation (SPO2) level, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) level, and respiratory rate were measured using a patient monitor at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and recorded. The primary outcome of the study was the determination of the EtCO2 levels, which were used to assess the safety of the mask in terms of potential carbon dioxide retention. FINDINGS: None of the participants' SPO2 levels fell below 92% while wearing masks. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of EtCO2, heart rate, SPO2, and respiratory rate (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, protective surgical face masks can be used safely in the postoperative period for pediatric patients aged 3 to 10 years.

Effects of different doses of remifentanil infusion on hemodynamics and recovery in children undergoing pediatric diagnostic cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare 2 different doses of remifentanil infusion on hemodynamics, recovery period, and complications in children undergoing diagnostic pediatric cardiac catheterization. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Children undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization (n = 60). INTERVENTIONS: Children (2-12 years of age) scheduled for elective diagnostic cardiac catheterization under sedation were included in this study. The patients were assigned randomly to 2 groups as follows: patients in group 1 (n = 30) received a remifentanil infusion of 0.1 µg/kg/min, and patients in group 2 (n = 30) received a remifentanil infusion of 0.2 µg/kg/min. Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BPs), oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), respiratory rate (RR), sedation, and recovery scores were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of systolic and diastolic BPs, HR, SpO(2), and RR during the study period. Additional drugs were required for 15 children in group 1; however, 27 patients maintained a satisfactory level of sedation with the 0.2-µg/kg/min remifentanil infusion. The time to achieve a recovery score of ≥5 was significantly shorter in group 2 than in group 1 (4.1 ± 0.3 minutes v 6.8 ± 0.8 minutes). No postoperative complications were reported in either group. CONCLUSION: After oral midazolam premedication and local prilocaine infiltration, 0.2 µg/kg/min of remifentanil provided adequate sedation without any hemodynamic compromise during pediatric diagnostic cardiac catheterization.

Effect of intramuscular and intravenous lidocaine on propofol induction dose.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study whether or not intravenous (IV) administration of lidocaine reduces propofol dose requirement as intramuscular (IM) lidocaine in a placebo-controlled manner. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-five adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, aged 20-60 years who were scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia were included in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to 3 groups: IM: intramuscular administration; IV: intravenous administration and C: control. There were 25 patients in each group. The patients in group IM received lidocaine 1.5 mg · kg(-1) administered into the deltoid muscle 10 min before anaesthesia induction. In group IV, the patients received IV lidocaine 1.5 mg · kg(-1), 2 min before anaesthesia induction. Group C patients served as control group who received only propofol injection. Hypnosis after propofol administration was measured with response to verbal commands. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between group IM (100.8 ± 26.1 mg) and group IV (110.8 ± 30.1 mg) regarding the induction dose of propofol (p > 0.05). In group C, the required propofol dose (151.2 ± 27.4 mg) for anaesthesia induction was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.001). No side effect was observed in any patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, both IV and IM lidocaine administration were effective in reducing the hypnotic dose of propofol without any side effects. In addition, IV lidocaine may be more comfortable for awake patients.

Lateral Sagittal Versus Costoclavicular Approaches for Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Comparison of Block Dynamics Through A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction In this study, our objective was to compare the lateral sagittal infraclavicular block (LS-ICB) with the costoclavicular infraclavicular block (CC-ICB) for ultrasound (US)-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block in terms of block dynamics as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction levels. Methods A total of 100 patients, falling under the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I-III categories, who were aged 18-65 years and scheduled for elective forearm and hand surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to receive a US-guided LS-ICB or US­guided CC-ICB. The local anesthetic (LA) agent used (20-ml 0.5% bupivacaine) was identical in all subjects. The block performance time and the motor and sensory block onset times were determined to be the primary outcomes. Results The block performance time and the sensory block onset time were shorter in the CC-ICB group compared to the LS-ICB group [median (interquartile range): three (2.5-3.3) vs. two (1.5-2.3) minutes, p: <0.001; five (4.4-6) vs. four (3.8-6) minutes, p = 0.022, respectively]. The number of needle redirections was lower in the CC-ICB [three (2.7-4) vs. two (one to two) times, p: <0.001]. The motor block onset time and the motor-sensory block times were similar in both groups. There were more patients with a complete sensory blockade at five and 10 minutes in the CC-ICB group than in the LS-ICB group (30% vs. 12%, p = 0.027; 66% vs. 26%, p: <0.001, respectively). No complications were observed with regard to both techniques, and patient and surgeon satisfaction levels observed were similar for both groups. Conclusion Based on our findings, the CC approach provided a shorter performance time and a faster onset of the sensory block compared to the LS approach. However, no complications were reported with respect to either technique, and similar patient and surgeon satisfaction levels were observed.

Ulnar artery versus radial artery approach for arterial cannulation: a prospective, comparative study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the ease of cannulation, success/failure rate, and complication rate between ulnar and radial arteries. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: 100 ASA physical status I, II, and III patients undergoing general anesthesia and requiring arterial cannulation. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided randomly into two separate groups of 50 patients each according to cannulation site: ulnar artery (group U) or radial artery (group R) group. MEASUREMENTS: The presence and fullness of the arterial pulses (strong/weak/absent), ease of cannulation (cases in which cannulation was successful on the first attempt and those that which required more than one cannulation attempt), success rate of cannulation, and complications (early/late) were all recorded. MAIN RESULTS: The radial artery was stronger in pulse (83% vs 73%). The success rates of cannulations for the ulnar and radial arteries were 82% and 90%, respectively (P > 0.05). The overall success rate of cannulation in the ulnar group with a strong pulse was 100%. There were significant differences in the success rate of cannulation between the patients with strong and weak pulses in the ulnar group (P < 0.0001). Ease of cannulation and complication rates of cannulations were not statistically different in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of an arterial cannulation in a patient with a strong ulnar pulse is the same as for radial artery cannulation.

Comparison of ondansetron and meperidine for prevention of shivering in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Perioperative hypothermia is a common problem in anesthesia practice. Regional anesthesia, like general anesthesia, influences the thermoregulatory process. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of ondansetron and meperidine in the prevention of shivering during and after spinal anesthesia. METHODS: In this double-blind study, 75 patients were randomized into 3 groups. Group O and Group M were given ondansetron 8 mg and meperidine 0.4 mg/kg intravenously immediately before spinal anesthesia, respectively. Group C received saline at identical times. The core temperatures and the incidence of shivering were recorded. Association between maximum block height and mean rectal temperatures of the patients were also evaluated. RESULTS: The core temperature was preserved in both ondansetron and meperidine groups with respect to the control group. Shivering was observed in 8% of patients in groups O and M and 36% in group C. The correlation between maximum block height and mean rectal temperatures was lost in the ondansetron and meperidine groups. CONCLUSION: Ondansetron and meperidine have similar anti-shivering effects. In addition, both ondansetron and meperidine altered the correlation between the core temperature and block level during spinal anesthesia.

Remifentanil pretreatment reduces myoclonus after etomidate.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of pretreatment with remifentanil 1 microg/kg and the effect of gender on the incidence of myoclonus after anesthesia induction with etomidate. DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty patients were pretreated in a randomized double-blinded fashion with remifentanil 1 microg/kg or placebo. Two minutes after remifentanil or placebo injection, etomidate 0.3 mg/kg was given. MEASUREMENTS: Myoclonus was recorded with a scale of 0 to 3. The grade of sedation (none, mild, moderate, severe), nausea, pruritus, and apnea were recorded after injection of both drugs. MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of myoclonus was significantly lower in the remifentanil group (6.7%) than in the placebo group (70%) (P < 0.001). None of the patients experienced sedation, apnea, nausea, or pruritus after injection of both drugs. In the placebo group, male patients were associated with significantly increased incidence of myoclonus after etomidate administration. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with remifentanil 1 microg/kg reduced myoclonus after etomidate induction without side effects such as sedation, apnea, nausea, or pruritus. Men experience increased incidence of myoclonus than women after etomidate administration.

Subdural hematoma as a late complication of spinal anesthesia.

Subdural hematoma is a rare complication of spinal anesthesia. This patient underwent bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy under spinal anesthesia 40 days prior to admission. Two days after spinal anesthesia, the patient described a typical postdural puncture headache. Oral analgesics, fluid therapy, and lying flat were recommended. Because of prolonged headache, computed tomography scan was performed and demonstrated chronic subdural hematoma in the left fronto-temporo-parietal region. After surgical drainage, the patient fully recovered. Prolonged headache should be regarded as a warning sign of subdural hematoma.

A dose study of remifentanil in combination with propofol during tracheobronchial foreign body removal in children.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of two different remifentanil infusion doses on hemodynamic stability and recovery characteristics in children undergoing tracheobronchial foreign body removal during rigid bronchoscopy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical comparison study. SETTING: Operating room of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 70 ASA physical status 1 and 2 children, aged 3-12 years, presenting for tracheobronchial foreign body removal during rigid bronchoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Children were divided equally into two groups to receive either a 0.1 µg/kg/min (Group R1) or 0.2 µg/kg/min (Group R2) remifentanil infusion. Ten minutes after the remifentanil infusion, 3 mg/kg of propofol and 0.02 mg/kg of atropine were given. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.1 µg/kg/min of remifentanil and 100-250 µg/kg/min of propofol in Group R1 and 0.2 µg/kg/min of remifentanil and 100-250 µg/kg/min of propofol in Group R2. After baseline measurements were recorded, 0.2 mg/kg of mivacurium was given intravenously. Ventilation was maintained with 100% O(2) via a "T" piece connected to the side arm of the bronchoscope. MEASUREMENTS: Heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean arterial pressures (MAP), and O2 saturation (SpO2) were recorded before (baseline) and after induction, and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after insertion of the rigid bronchoscope into the trachea. Emergence characteristics and complications were noted. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test, repeated measures, and chi-square test as appropriate. MAIN RESULTS: Groups were similar in demographics and duration of bronchoscopy and anesthesia (P > 0.05). In Group R1, HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP increased one minute after insertion of the bronchoscope in Group R1 (P < 0.01). Propofol consumption was significantly higher in Group R1 (63.6 ± 30.1 mg) than Group R2 (39.8 ± 26.6 mg; P < 0.01). Time to spontaneous eye opening was 8.6 ± 1.3 minutes in Group R1 and 6.3 ± 1.1 minutes in Group R2 (P < 0.05). The time to recovery to an Aldrete score of 9 was greater in Group R1 (19.8±3.0 min) than Group R2 (16.1±3.0 min; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A remifentanil 0.2 µg/kg/min infusion with propofol provides hemodynamic stability and early recovery in children undergoing foreign body removal during rigid bronchoscopy.

Intracerebroventricular Application of Dexmedetomidine Produces Antinociception and Does not Cause Neurotoxicity in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Alpha2 agonists contribute to pain control at the level of the medulla spinalis. Alpha2 agonists are generally added to local anaesthetics to prolong spinal or epidural anaesthesia time. AIMS: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and neurotoxic effects of dexmedetomidine given intracerebroventricularly for 5 days. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experimentation. METHODS: After intraventricular cannulation, rats (n=32) were divided into two groups (n=16 each). Rats in the dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=16) received 3 µg (0.03 mL) dexmedetomidine and the control group (Group C, n=16) received 0.03 mL physiological serum through an intracerebroventricular catheter once a day, for 5 days. Antinociceptive, sedative, and motor effects were evaluated before the injection and for 90 min after injection. The tail-flick and hot plate tests were used to assess thermal nociceptive threshold. For histopathological evaluation, half of the rats in both groups were sacrificed on the 6(th) day and the remaining rats were sacrificed on the 21(st) day. Then the perfusion fixation method was applied. The first tissue section was obtained from the cervical spinal cord 1 cm distal to the proximal end of the spinal cord. The second sample was retrieved from the region 1 cm distal from the thoracic 13-lumbar 1 vertebra. On morphological evaluation, nonspecific changes like edema and gliosis, signs of neuronal degeneration demonstrating a severe reaction, and density of inflammatory cells were examined. RESULTS: In dexmedetomidine-administered rats, on the first day reaction times at 5, 10, and 20 min and on the other days, reaction times at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min in hot plate tests were significantly longer compared with baseline values (p<0.05). In dexmedetomidine-administered rats, on the 1(st), 4(th), and 5(th) days reaction times at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 min and on the 2(nd) and 3(rd) days reaction times at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min in tail-flick tests were significantly longer compared with baseline values (p<0.05). First-degree sedation lasting for 60 min and first-degree motor block lasting for 30-40 min were observed in the dexmedetomidine group. Similar rates of nonspecific changes such as edema and gliosis were seen in both groups. Signs of severe reactions such as neuronal degeneration and diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration were not encountered in any group. There was no significant difference between groups according to morphological findings of the spinal cord on the 6(th) and 21(st) days (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We observed that intracerebroventricular administration of 3 µg dexmedetomidine produced antinociception and did not cause neurotoxicity.

Evaluation of antinociceptive and neurotoxic effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Dexmedetomidine has been reported to produce analgesia after intrathecal administration. In the present study the α2-adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine was evaluated for its potential spinal neurotoxic effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three days after intrathecal cannulation, rats were administered either dexmedetomidine (3 µg/30 µL, i.t.) or saline (30 µL, i.t.). Antinociceptive, sedative and motor effects of intrathecal administrations of dexmedetomidine or saline were evaluated during 90 min. The tail-flick and hot plate tests were used to assess the thermal nociceptive threshold. Seven days after drug administration, animals were sacrified and spinal cords were evaluated for histopathological changes by light microscopy. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine administered intrathecally produced antinociception. Antinociception was accompanied by immediate sedation and loss of placing-stepping reflexes that lasted over 40 min in all dexmedetomidine administered rats. In all rats, microscopic examination revealed mild gliosis and minimal infiltration of inflamatory r cells in posterior white matter. Mild (total score 4-6) histopathologic lesions were seen in four animals in dexmedetomidine adminisered rats, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the saline administered rats. CONCLUSION: We observed that intrathecal injections of dexmedetomidine at the dose of 3 µg/30 µL produce antinociception but did not cause any histopathological sign of injury in the spinal cord.

Behavioural effects of chronic exposure to subanesthetic concentrations of halothane, sevoflurane and desflurane in rats.

BACKGROUND: A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted to determine the behavioural effects of chronic exposure to subanesthetic concentrations of halothane, sevoflurane and desflurane in rats. METHODS: Halothane, sevoflurane and desflurane group rats received 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.6% concentrations in a flow rate of 3 L.min(-1) O(2) respectively. Control animals also received 3 L.min(-1) O(2) in another investigation room, which had the same properties as the study group rooms. Rats breathed inhaled agents or oxygen between 09:00-13:00 hr every day for 30 days. After 30 days of inhalation of subanesthetic doses of inhaled agents or oxygen, behavioural tests were applied. RESULTS: Tests of exploratory activity and curiosity (hole-board test), anxiety (elevated plus maze test) and learning and memory functions (multiple T maze test), demonstrated that chronic exposure to subanesthetic concentrations of all three anesthetics alters behavioural functions in rats. However, impairment of learning (P<0.05) and memory function (P<0.05) were greater in association with desflurane, in comparison to halothane and sevoflurane-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to subanesthetic concentrations of halothane, sevoflurane and desflurane is associated with behavioural change in rats. Of the three drugs, desflurane was associated with the lowest learning and memory function test scores.

Risk factors influencing inadvertent hypothermia in infants and neonates during anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: The factors affecting the thermal status in neonates and infants undergoing general anesthesia are not yet investigated in detail. We evaluated the factors leading to intraoperative hypothermia in 60 neonates and infants. METHODS: The initial body temperatures and the core temperatures at the 10th, 30th, 60th and 90th minute of anesthesia, as well as at the end of the operation were recorded. The patients were divided into the groups according to the age, type of surgery (minor vs major), operating room (OR) temperatures (low '<23 degrees C' vs high '>23 degrees C') and the initial core temperature of the patients. RESULTS: In 31 neonates and 29 infants, the mean core temperatures decreased 10 min after anesthesia induction. In all neonates and in infants with 'low OR temperature' (<23 degrees C), these decreases continued to the end of the surgery. Except infants undergoing minor surgery, in all patients, the core temperatures at the end of surgery were lower than the baseline temperature. The greatest decrease in core temperatures occurred in neonates undergoing major surgery and with low OR temperature. In low OR temperature, the decrease of core temperature is higher in patients with major surgery. In patients undergoing minor surgery, the decrease of core temperature is more in neonates than infants. Major surgery increased the chance of decrease of the core temperature by 2.66 times and operating room temperature less than 23 degrees C by 1.96 times. CONCLUSION: The type of surgery and the OR temperature are the main factors for decrease of the core temperature in neonates and infants. In neonates, the core temperatures are less stable, regardless of OR temperature and type of surgery. In high OR temperature, infants can stabilize their core temperature better than neonates.

Anaesthetic and airway management in a child with Hanhart's syndrome.

Hanhart's syndrome (oromandibular-limb hypogenesis syndrome) is a rare disease characterized by hypoglossia/aglossia, various distal limb defects and micrognathia. Difficult airway due to micrognathia may complicate anaesthetic management in this syndrome. We describe the anaesthetic management of a child with Hanhart's syndrome undergoing plastic reconstructive surgery.

Comparison of fentanyl-bupivacaine or midazolam-bupivacaine mixtures with plain bupivacaine for caudal anaesthesia in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity and effectiveness of 0.75 ml.kg-1 bupivacaine 0.25% with the addition of fentanyl or midazolam for caudal block in children undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: Seventy-five children were allocated randomly to three groups to receive a caudal block with either 0.25% bupivacaine with fentanyl 1 microg.kg(-1) (group BF) or with midazolam 50 microg.kg(-1) (group BM) or bupivacaine alone (group B) after induction of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic parameters, degree of pain, additional analgesic requirements and side-effects were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean systolic arterial pressure at 10, 20, 30 min after caudal block was higher in group B compared with groups BF and BM. Mean intraoperative heart rate was lower in group BF than the other groups. Adequate analgesia was obtained in all patients (100%) in group BF, 23 patients (92%) in group BM and 21 patients (84%) in group B (P > 0.05). The time to recovery to an Aldrete score of 10 was significantly shorter in group B than group BM (P < 0.05). Although not significant, it was also shorter in group B than group BF. There was no difference in additional analgesic requirements between the groups in the first 24 h. Sedation score was higher in the midazolam group at 60 and 90 min postoperatively than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal block with 0.75 ml.kg(-1) 0.25% bupivacaine and 50 microg.kg(-1) midazolam or 1 microg.kg(-1) fentanyl provides no further analgesic advantages to bupivacaine alone when administered immediately after induction of anaesthesia in children undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Comparison of neonatal effects of epidural and general anesthesia for cesarean section.

We assessed the influence of anesthetic technique for cesarean section on neonatal outcome. Thirty parturient women (ASA I/II) were randomly allocated into two groups. In Group GA general anesthesia was induced with 4 mg.kg(-1) thiopental and 1.5 mg.kg(-1) succinylcholine. In group EA epidural anesthesia was performed with 20 ml 0.375% bupivacaine through L(3-4) inter-space. 1-min Apgar scores were significantly higher in group EA (p < 0.001). Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity scores at 2 and 24 h were higher in group EA (p < 0.001). In terms of blood gas values, umbilical arterial pH and pO(2) values were higher in group EA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The first breast-feeding intervals were found to be shorter in group EA (p < 0.001). We conclude that in terms of better Apgar and NAC scores, acid-base status and earlier initiation of breast-feeding, the epidural anesthesia may be preferred to general anesthesia in cesarean section.

Is tissue coring a real problem after caudal injection in children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether tissue coring occurs with 22-G hollow needle and 22-G caudal block needle during caudal injection in children, as well as evaluating the nature of the coring material if it did occur. METHODS: Seventy children were randomly allocated to two groups and caudal block was performed with either 22-G hollow (group I) or 22-G caudal block (group II) needle under general anesthesia. The needles and guides were washed with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol in a sterile tube and were evaluated by a pathologist blinded to the type of needle used, for the type and number of cells. RESULTS: Nucleated cells, which have no mitotic activity, were present in 8.5% in each study group and bloody material was present in 8.5 and 2.8%, in group I and II, respectively. Non-nucleated epidermal cells were detected in 94.2 and 97.1% of the patients in group I and II, respectively. However, cells with mitotic activity from the stratum basale were not detected in any slides. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of transporting nucleated epidermal cells with no mitotic activity from stratum spinosum during puncture for caudal block is low and no differences exist between different types of needle used. However, it may also suggest that transporting nucleated cells with mitotic activity from the stratum basale may be possible during caudal puncture.