[Regional anesthesia by the caudal route in adults. Apropos of 56 caudal blocks]

Caudal anaesthesia was described in 1901 but is now essentially used for paediatric surgery. From their experience of 56 caudal blocks in adult patients scheduled for pelvic surgery or endoscopy, the authors discuss the value of this technique. The anatomical and physiological basis and the main guidelines of caudal anaesthesia are recalled through some references.