The history of paediatric anaesthesia

This chapter deals with the history of regional anaesthesia for paediatric surgery since its beginning with Cathelin in 1901. Infiltration anaesthesia, caudals, higher epidurals, plexus and nerve blocks and spinals are described, with reference to the men who introduced them, the results they obtained and the lessons we have learned from the past. Many authors are quoted, showing that this field is a truly universal one. There were pioneers from France, England, the United States, Romania, Canada, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Japan and China. Their contribution is acknowledged, and their results are analysed. Thanks to these pioneers we can discuss the position of this important branch of loco-regional anaesthesia today and project its clinical applications in the future. The complications and problems experienced by some of these pioneers have been discussed so that those types of problem can be avoided in the future. Newer agents, the treatment of post-operative and chronic pain, heart surgery, ambulatory procedures and better management of anaesthesia in infants and children will no doubt ensure still better results in the years to come.