Publication:

A double blind prospective study of effect of intrathecal ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% for lower limb orthopedic surgery in young patients

Background Subarachnoid block is among the most versatile regional block available today. It is a very old and well established anesthetic technique that is simple to perform and has a high success rate and a good safety profile. The aim of the present study was to compare the characteristics of spinal block, adequacy of anaesthesia and side effects using intrathecal ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% in young patients undergoing lower limb orthopaedic surgery.

Methods 60 adult patients of either sex (aged 18 to 60 years) were studied, ASA grade I and II were randomly assigned into two anaesthetic groups. Group X: received 3.5 ml of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine and group Y: received 3.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. After induction, the various parameters of intrathecal block and adequacy of anaesthesia were studied.

Results 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine had late onset of sensory and motor blockade as well as shorter duration of analgesia and anaesthesia with similar quality of block as compare to 0.5% bupivacaine. There was no significant change in the cardiovascular response to subarachnoid block. In present study, no adverse effects were noted in any of the patients in any group.

Conclusions Isobaric ropivacaine at the concentration of 0.75% can be safely used as an alternative to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine as long acting local anaesthetic in intrathecal block.