The needle for puncture of the sacrococcygeal membrane should be of sufficient length (for adults not less than 7 cm), mandrin (so that the needle is not clogged with tissues and does not bring them into the epidural space), preferably a short cut (it gives the best feeling of “failure “When passing through the ligament, less injuring the epidural veins and periosteum of the sacral canal) and sufficient strength (so as not to break in the sacral canal) and diameter (not thinner than G22) for reliable aspiration of the CSF or blood. Bira’s reusable Soviet spinal needle is also quite suitable. Moreover, Zaporozhye anesthesiology is perhaps the best Ukrainian experts in the field of caudal anesthesia, are well suited to a disposable “green” ( G21 ) intravenous needle.
A disposable intravenous cannula, with a needle and mandrel, although it has a very sharp tip, will be very convenient for quick puncture and catheterization of the sacral canal.
The needle for anesthesia of the skin should be thin enough so that this anesthesia is as painful as possible (the place is rather sensitive ).
A needle for skin puncture (in adults) may be needed if a thick and blunt needle is used to puncture the sacral canal.
Syringe for local anesthetic (10 or 20 ml). After performing anesthesia, it does not need to be thrown away: it may be necessary for intravenous administration of other drugs. Another small syringe (up to 5 ml) for testing with air will not interfere either.
Venous access is needed in case of complications or the need for sedation or even general anesthesia (with caudal insufficiency). The tonometer is needed because with the rapid introduction of a local anesthetic, short-term hypertension is possible, and after the onset of the block and with
complications possible hypotension. Resuscitation equipment may be needed for any epidural.
anesthesia (see more details in the section “EQUIPMENT FOR EPIDUAL ANESTHESIA”).