[History of the sacral epidural block]

Blockade of the sacral plexus is associated with an interesting chapter in the history of anesthesia. Use of this technique peaked in the difficult early decades of the twentieth century, a time when inhaled anesthesia was in decline and regional and local techniques were gaining ground as alternatives. This article analyzes the history of sacral epidural anesthesia, in particular the Spanish contribution. Names like Salvador Gil Vernet, Manuel Usandizaga, José Botella, Santiago Dexeus, José Miguel Martínez and José Estella should be remembered for the important pioneering roles these anesthetists played in research and clinical practice. Although Spanish surgeons were not enthusiastic about the sacral plexus block, the Spanish history of the technique has been similar to that seen in other countries: at first there was a certain degree of enthusiasm, later the technique was nearly forgotten, and finally interest has returned in recent years, initially in obstetric analgesia and more recently in pediatrics.