Prospective Comparison of Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block and Caudal Epidural Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Pediatric Hypospadias Surgery
Hypospadias surgery in pediatric patients requires effective postoperative analgesia to ensure patient comfort and reduce perioperative stress. Caudal epidural block is widely used for analgesia in pediatric urological procedures; however, alternative regional techniques such as the sacral erector spinae plane (ESP) block have recently gained attention. This prospective comparative study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of sacral ESP block and caudal epidural block in pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias surgery. Participants will be allocated to receive either sacral ESP block or caudal epidural block according to the study protocol. The primary outcome will be postoperative pain scores within the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes will include total analgesic consumption, time to first rescue analgesia, and block-related complications.
• Male patients aged between 6 months to 7 years
• Scheduled for hypospadias repair surgery
• ASA physical status I-II
• No known allergy to local anesthetic agents
• No contraindications to peripheral nerve blocks
• Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians