ABSTRACT : To compare hemodynamic changes, the quality and duration of post operative analgesia and post operative sedation, peri-operative complications and the total number of rescue analgesic used in each group.

METHODS : 60 children of ASA I and II, aged 1-12 years, undergoing elective sub-umbilical surgeries were randomly allocated to group A(n=30) (0.25% plain bupivacaine 1ml/kg + 0.5 ml Normal Saline) and Group B(n=30) (0.25% plain bupivacaine 1ml/kg + 1μg/kg clonidine made to 0.5 ml with Normal Saline). Hemodynamic changes, duration of analgesia, duration of sedation, peri-operative complications and total number of rescue analgesic doses recorded.

RESULTS : The duration of analgesia in the post operative period was more in Group B (506.67+/-43.81 mins) as compared to Group A(270.67+/-43.70 mins). 100% patients in Group A required two or more than two rescue analgesic within 10 hrs whereas in Group B 20% patients required single rescue analgesic respectively. The mean sedation scores were higher in Group B as compared to Group A.

CONCLUSIONS : : Addition of clonidine 1μg/kg to bupivacaine (0.25%) 1ml/kg for caudal block prolongs the duration of analgesia and sedation in children in sub-umbilical surgeries.