Laparoscopic Surgery in Infants Under Spinal Anesthesia Block: A Case Report of 3 Cases.

ABSTRACT

Spinal anesthesia (SA) is a valuable alternative to general anesthesia in infants, but laparoscopic surgery is considered a contraindication in this age group. We report 3 cases of SA for inguinal hernia repairs. The contralateral inguinal region was explored by laparoscopic port placement and pneumoperitoneum through the surgical site. Ages ranged from 5 to 15 weeks, postconceptual age from 46 to 55 weeks, and weights from 4.0 to 6.6 kg. Spinal anesthetics were supplemented with intravenous dexmedetomidine. One patient experienced hypertension and tachycardia during insufflation with brief supplemental use of sevoflurane. Opioids were spared in 2 patients. Pain scores were low throughout. SA as a primary anesthetic may be used in pediatric laparoscopic procedures.