Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block and Caudal Epidural Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Hypospadias Surgery

The goal of this observational study is to learn about effects of block strategies (sacral erector spinae plane block - ESP, caudal block) on perioperative pain in pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias surgery. The main question it aims to answer is: Is there a difference in analgesic efficacy between sacral erector spinae plane block and caudal block in pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias surgery? Eighty six pediatric patients (ages 1-7 years, ASA I-II) scheduled for hypospadias repair under general anesthesia were included in this prospective randomized study. Both blocks were performed using 0.25% bupivacaine, at doses of 0.5 mL/kg for our study. Pain was assessed using the FLACC scale at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively.