Publication:

Comparative study of ropivacaine (0.5%) plain versus levobupivacaine (0.5%) plain in gynecological surgeries

Background Regional anesthesia increasingly used for gynecological surgeries, has advantage of decreased stress response to surgery, decreased cardiorespiratory depression, with improved postoperative analgesia.

Methods This randomized, prospective, double blind study was conducted at Amaltas Institute of Medical Sciences, Banger Dewas in Department of Anesthesia between June 2016-December 2016. Sixty patients who were posted for gynecological surgeries were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: Group R received 3.5 ml (17.5 mg) 0.5% ropivacaine plain and Group L received 3.5 ml (17.5 mg) 0.5% levobupivacaine plain. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block and any undesirable side effects were noted.

Results Demographic parameters were comparable between the two groups (P >0.05). Onset of sensory and motor block was significantly faster in Group L, duration of motor and sensory block was significantly less in Group R. Patients in group R were hemodynamically stable (P = 0.032) compared to group L.

Conclusions Both ropivacaine and levobupivacaine have the desirable blocking property and can be used in gynecological surgeries. Ropivacaine showed shorter duration of sensory and motor block allowed early mobilization and early recovery of patients.