Continuous peripheral regional analgesia in children

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) have important role in the therapeutic arsenal, anaesthetic or analgesic in children. Indications for CPNB depend on benefits/risks analysis for each patient. The indications include surgery associated with intense postoperative pain, surgery requiring painful physical therapy, and complex regional pain syndrome. CPNB are usually performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, and require appropriate equipment in order to decrease the risk of nerve injury. Nevertheless, CPNB may mask compartment syndrome in trauma or certain surgical procedure. Finally, ropivacaine, and perhaps levobupivacaine, appears to be the best local anaesthetic for continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children, requiring low flow rate with low concentration.