Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion in Pediatric Spinal Fusion Surgery Promotes Faster Emergence

Spinal fusion surgery is becoming a common major orthopedic operation performed in children and adolescents for the treatment of congenital, neuromuscular and idiopathic scoliosis. The anesthetic plan and postoperative pain management for patients undergoing spinal fusion must address several challenges [1,2] which include blood loss, infection and possible neurological impairment. Additionally, inadequate pain control results in ileus, nausea, poor oral intake, inadequate mobilization, delayed hospital discharge, and unanticipated hospital readmission [3].