Variation Between and Within Hospitals in Single Injection Caudal Local Anesthetic Dose: A Report From the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network

Abstract

Wide variation in caudal local anesthetic dosing and administered volume exists. This variation is independent of the number of cases performed at each center but rather is determined by study site (ie, variation between centers) with considerable additional variation within study centers, suggesting additional variability dependent on individual practitioners. While there are legitimate reasons to vary dosing, the current approach is inconsistent and not supported by strong evidence over giving a standardized dose.