Abstract

General anesthesia is often felt to be indicated for extremity surgery in the pediatric population. We present our experience at a community hospital with the successful use of intravenous regional anesthesia (the Bier Block) in ten children, without complications. A review of the literature reveals Bier Block to be a safe and effective technique in children, with a number of seizures reported as a complication. We conclude intravenous regional anesthesia is a safe, effective, and preferable alternative to general anesthesia in the appropriate pediatric patient, and make recommendations in method of practice to improve its safety.