Regional anesthesia in children.

Regional anesthesia employing the spinal, epidural, or caudal approach was used to anesthetize 200 children, varying in age from 17 days to 15 years. Lidocaine in concentrations varying according to age was used. Ketamine (1 to 2 mg./kg.) was given in the majority of cases to ensure a quiet patient prior to block. No major anesthetic complications or deaths were attributable to the anesthetic technic. The caudal approach proved easiest.