Comparison of Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Outcomes of Caudal Versus Dorsal Penile Nerve Blocks for Outpatient Penile Surgeries

Abstract

Objective To compare intraoperative and 1-hour postoperative outcomes in caudal versus dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) patients undergoing penile surgeries.

Material and Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of males <10 years old undergoing penile procedures (2013-2015) using the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network, Pediatric Health Information System databases and our medical records. The primary outcome was a maximum Faces Limbs Activity Crying Consolability pain score > 3. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative/post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) narcotics, pre-incision anesthesia time, adjusted operating room charges and complications. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses controlling for demographic/procedure characteristics and clustering by surgeon.

Results Of 738 patients, (mean age 2.1 years) 74.1% had a caudal. DPNB patients were more likely to have a maximum pain score >3 (19.5% vs. 8.1%, p<0.0001), receive intraoperative (33.0% vs.2.9%, p<0.0001) and PACU narcotics (15.7% vs. 7.5% vs. p=0.0009), had shorter pre-incision anesthesia time (19.5 vs. 27.9 minutes, p<0.0001) and lower adjusted operating room charges ($9,402 vs. $12,760, p<0.0001). In a bivariate logistic regression, DPNB patients had 2.7 times the odds of a maximum pain score > 3 (95% CI 1.7- 4.4, p<0.0001) and 5.2 times the odds of intraoperative/PACU narcotic administration (95% CI 3.3-8.1, p<0.0001). In multivariable analyses, caudal patients had longer pre-incision anesthesia time (27.9 ± 7.4 vs. 19.5 ± 6.6 minutes, p<0.0001) and higher adjusted operating room charges ($12,760 ± 4077 vs. $9,402 ± 3741, p=0.01).

Conclusion Caudal blocks may offer a small advantage in the immediate postoperative period although cost-effectiveness is unproven.