Perioperative effects of caudal block on pediatric patients in laparoscopic upper urinary tract surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Randomized trial of 96 pediatric patients demonstrates that caudal block with 1.3 mL/kg of 0.15% ropivacaine significantly reduces perioperative fentanyl requirements and improves pain control during laparoscopic upper urinary tract surgery. Higher-volume caudal block provides superior analgesia, hemodynamic stability, and shorter PACU stays compared to lower-volume or no block.