Publication:

Isobaric levobupivacaine a better and safer substitute for spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing prolonged lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries

Background Bupivacaine being the drug of choice for spinal anaesthesia is associated with serious cardiac toxicity. Levobupivacaine and ropivacaine, both being the two S enantiomers of bupivacaine can be a safer alternatives with better cardiovascular safety. Hence, the clinical efficacy of both were assessed and compared in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

Methods A prospective randomized controlled double blind study was done in 68 adult posted for elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries under spinal anesthesia. They were randomized into 2 groups. About 3ml isobaric levobupivacaine 0.5% (15mg) was given in group A and 3ml isobaric ropivacaine 0.5% (15mg) was given in group B. Onset, duration of sensory and motor blocks, time for maximum sensory and motor block, time for 2 segment sensory regression and haemodynamic parameters were recorded and analyzed.

Results All patients achieved a sensory block of T10 dermatome. Onset of sensory blockade at T10 was similar in both groups, group A (5.71±1.31min) and group B (5.94±1.72min). Time from injection to two dermatomal regression was 129.68±15.54min in group A and 111.38±22.35min in group B. Onset of Bromage score of 1 in group A was 4.68±1.27min and in group B was 6.44±1.64min. The mean duration of motor and complete motor block was prolonged in group A patients (197.74±18.51min, 168.82±17.90 min) as compared to group B (131.88±20.41min, 106.71±10.85min).

Conclusions Isobaric levobupivacaine was found to be a better and safer substitute for spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing prolonged lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries.