Publication:

A comparative study of intrathecal bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for patients undergoing caesarean section

Background The present study was conducted to compare the effects of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine and 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine in pregnant females undergoing caesarean section.

Methods Study was conducted on 100 pregnant females undergoing caesarean section. They were randomly divided into two groups B and L receiving 2 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine respectively. Two groups were compared with regard to sensory block, motor block, haemodynamic stability and complications if any.

Results Time to achieve sensory blockade till T6 dermatome was prolonged in group B (162.52±80.55 sec) as compared to group L (139.40±49.79 seconds) (p value= 0.087). Prolonged duration of motor blockade was observed in group B (160.76±6.56 minutes) as compared to group L (131.48±14.42 minutes) (p<0.001). Less haemodynamic stability was seen in patients of group B with more incidence of hypotension and bradycardia.as compared to group L.

Conclusions Levobupivacaine is nearly equally effective to bupivacaine to produce sensory and motor blockade with comparable onset time and better haemodynamic stability with lesser side effects.