S. J. V. Kameshwara Rao1, D. Suresh Chander2, V. Nagesh3, G. Harinath4
BACKGROUND: Epidural blockade is becoming one of the most useful and versatile procedures in modern anesthesiology. Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine, the two new long-acting local anaesthetics, have been developed as an alternative to Bupivacaine, after the evidence of its severe toxicity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is prospective, randomized, double blind study on 90 Patients to evaluate the time of onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and hemodynamic effects of Bupivacaine 0.5% Ropivacaine 0.75% and Levobupivacaine 0.5% when administered epidurally for sub umbilical surgeries of age group 18-60yr of ASA I and II physical status under epidural anesthesia.
RESULTS: Ropivacaine has short duration of motor block when compared with Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine. The onset of sensory and motor blocks, highest level of sensory block, degree of motor block and duration of sensory analgesia with Ropivacaine and Levobupivacaine are similar to that of Bupivacaine. The hemodynamic changes and side effect profile of Ropivacaine and Levobupivacaine is not significantly different from that of Bupivacaine.
CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine and Levobupivacaine can be used as a safe alternative to Bupivacaine, shorter duration of motor block with Ropivacaine suggest that it could be effectively used for early mobilization of patients in the post-operative period.
