Patient Position: The patient lies supine.

Indications: The simultaneous block of these two nerves provides anesthesia for surgery on the inguinal region: hernia repair, orchidopexy, hydrocele.

Needle Size: A short beveled needle (e.g., a caudal needle).

Volume: 0.2 to 0.3 ml/kg of ropivacaine 0.2% for children up to 7 years, levobupivacaine 0.5% for older children.

Anatomic Landmarks: Anterior superior iliac spine and the umbilicus (Fig. 52-1).