Ultrasound guided subcostal transversus abdominis plane block for neonates and infants

Background : It is reported that insufficient pain control in the neonate who had an operation might suffer neurological and behavioral abnormality. Methods : We retrospectively examined the subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block performed in 4 neonates and an infant (range, 2-84 days) from April 2015 to February 2016. All cases, a rapid sequence induction was performed with thiopental, atropine, rocronium, fentanyl (only case 5, no thiopental but midazolam). After induction ultrasound guided subcostal TAP block was performed with 0.2% ropib- acaine (2.0 mg • kg-1). Results : Four of five patients were extubated in the operating room and showed good postoperative analgesia by only acetaminophen Case 5 was not extubated in the operating room because of apnea but fentanyl was canceled because of respiratory depression Conclusions : The subcostal TAP block provides good postoperative analgesia after upper abdominal surgery in neonates and infants.