TITLE:
Practice of Pediatric Spinal Anesthesia in a Country with Limited Means: Example of Togo
AUTHORS:
Essohanam Tabana Mouzou, Sarakawabalo Assenouwe, Pikabalo Tchetike, Eyram Yoan Makafui Amekoudi, Tchaa Hodabalo Towoezim
KEYWORDS:
Pediatric Surgery, Spinal Anesthesia, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Anesthesiology,
Vol.13 No.2,
February
16,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The practice of spinal anesthesia in pediatric surgery is declining, especially in countries with limited means. What about in our context? Objective: To evaluate the practice of spinal anesthesia in pediatric surgery in Togo. Framework and method of study: This was a prospective study from November 2017 to May 2018 in pediatric surgery at CHU SO de Lomé, in the operating room and hospital ward of CHU Kara. The surgical, anesthesiological and evolutionary aspects of the patients were analyzed. Results: Sixty children were selected for the study who had an indication for sub-umbilical surgery. The male sex was predominant (73.3%). 47 (78.30%) patients were operated on for scheduled surgery. Hernia repair was the most performed surgical intervention (43.30%). The mean duration of the surgery was 78 ± 35.9 minutes. Most of the patients were ASA 1 (98.30%). The local anesthetic used was 0.5% isobaric Bupivacaine. Fentanyl was the predominant adjuvant (55%). The most widely used lumbar puncture needle was 25 Gauge with 75 millimeters in length (63.30%). Diazepam was the most widely used sedative (50%). The predominant spinal anesthesia protocol was spinal anesthesia alone (60%). Only one patient had hypotension (1.70%). Conclusion: The fairly satisfactory pediatric spinal anesthesia in Togo remains poorly performed. Its promotion involves the training of anesthesia practitioners and the strengthening of the technical platform.