POST-CAUDAL BLOCK PRIAPISMIN CHILDREN: ARARE COMPLICATION NOT TO BEUNDERESTIMATED

Caudal anesthesia, commonly used in pediatric sub-umbilical surgeries, is well-regarded for its safety and simplicity. However, rare complications such as priapism may occur. We report the case of a 4-year-old child undergoing inguinal hernia repair who developed pulsatile priapism following a caudal block with bupivacaine. The complication was managed through deepening of anesthesia and symptomatic measures, with spontaneous resolution after 5 hours and no long-term sequelae. This case highlights a potential reflexogenic mechanism involving parasympathetic hyperactivity due to sympathetic fiber blockade. Although rare, post-caudal block priapism requires heightened vigilance and prompt management to prevent serious complications.