A service evaluation of regional anaesthesia utilisation in an Irish paediatric tertiary referral centre. | ScholarDeck

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A service evaluation of regional anaesthesia utilisation in an Irish paediatric tertiary referral centre.

New research · Anesthesiology

Irish journal of medical science · 3w

StudyIrish journal of medical science· Jun 2026

A service evaluation of regional anaesthesia utilisation in an Irish paediatric tertiary referral centre.

Christopher O'Loughlin, Eamonn Coleman, Hilary Leeson, Ariij Booley

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Pediatric AnesthesiaStudyQ2IF 1.9

Only 19.1% of paediatric surgical patients received regional anaesthesia at this centre

A service evaluation of regional anaesthesia utilisation in an Irish paediatric tertiary referral centre.

Christopher O'Loughlin … Ariij Booley

Irish journal of medical science · Jun 2026 · Q2 in General Medicine

Background

Paediatric regional anaesthesia (regional anaesthesia) is a safe and effective modality for peri-operative pain management, associated with improved outcomes and reduced opioid use.

Methods

We conducted a 28-day retrospective audit of regional anaesthesia practice in a tertiary paediatric centre.

n = 491 patients

Results

fewer than 1 in 5 children got regional anaesthesia, in line with european norms

19.1%

All patients

20.8%

After exclusion

More results

Peripheral techniques included 42 lower limb (35.9%), 30 truncal/craniofacial (25.6%), and 14 upper limb (12.0%) blocks.

Central blocks included 15 caudal (12.8%), 10 epidural (8.5%), and 6 paravertebral (5.2%) blocks.

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Conclusion

Regional anaesthesia utilisation in our institution is consistent with European data. These findings establish a local benchmark and support ongoing audit and quality improvement in paediatric anaesthesia practice.

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