Postoperative neuraxial pain relief in the pediatric patient.

Pain serves as a useful warning function of potential tissue damage. The systemic response to pain is characterized by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. The ensuing neuroendocrine response results in a myriad of adverse effects on the various organ systems, which can adversely affect surgical outcomes. When effective neuraxial anesthesia and analgesic techniques are employed, the surgical patient may benefit from decreases in morbidity, mortality, and prevention of subsequent development of chronic pain. The use of intrathecal and epidural techniques in the pediatric population is well established and allows these patients to benefit from superior pain relief and improved surgical outcomes.