Anaesthesia in Correction of Anorectal Defects in Children

Anorectal abnormalities are among the most common congenital malformations in children requiring emergency surgical interventions.

The objective is to analyze existing domestic and foreign publications on the features of anesthesia in anorectal abnormalities in children.

Subjects and Methods. The search for publications was carried out in the abstract bases of Russian Scientific Citation Index, PubMed and Scopus according to the key words: anorectal abnormalities, anesthesia, regional anesthesia, children. 105 publications were found, 49 studies were selected for analysis.

Results. For the purpose of anesthesia, both general and regional anesthesia are used to correct anorectal anomalies. Among regional techniques, spinal and caudal anesthesia is most often used. The most effective anesthesia option for anorectal surgery is saddle anesthesia since it is accompanied by a significant decrease in the tone of the anal sphincter. Combined use of general anesthesia and caudal analgesia contributes to the reduction of intraoperative blood loss and early restoration of bowel functions.

Conclusion. Further research is needed to establish rapid post-operative recovery protocols for anorectal malformations in children.

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