EFFICACY OF DEXAMETHASONE AS AN ADJUVANT TO BUPIVACAINE IN CAUDAL ANAESTHESIA FOR LOWER ABDOMINAL SURGERIES IN CHILDREN Methodology: Group C: 30 Children received 1 ml/kg of 0.125% bupivacaine in the caudal epidural space Group D: 30 Children received 1 ml/kg of 0.125% bupivacaine with 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone in the caudal epidural space.  The pain score was assessed using Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale at intervals of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12,16, 20, 24 hours.  Patients were shifted to the ward after observation in the post-anaesthesia care unit for 3hours up to 24 hours.  Postoperative analgesic efficacy was assessed by using the paediatric observational FLACC pain scale with its 0–10 score range, each child’s pain intensity was assessed upon arrival and then every hourly till the time of discharge from the PACU.

Keywords : Caudal anaesthesia , bupivacaine ,dexamethasone , pain score, post operative analgesia,post anaesthesia care uni