A comparative study of 0.5% hyperbaric Ropivacaine versus 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia

Abstract

Aims and Objective: Aim of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of 0.5% hyperbaric solutions of ropivacaine versus bupivacaine in terms of characteristics of spinal blockade, haemodynamic stability, recovery profile and side effects. Material and Method: The study enrolling 100 patients (age 20-60 years) of either sex, ASA grade I and II were randomly allocated in two groups. Group R received 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric ropivacaine with glucose 8.33% and Group B received 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with glucose 8%. After induction, we studied the various parameters of subarachnoid block, hemodynamic variables, recovery and side effects. Result: Hyperbaric ropivacaine had late onset of sensory blockade, equal time to reach maximum dermatome level, early regression and shorter total duration of sensory blockade as compared to bupivacaine. Ropivacaine shows late onset of motor blockade, less degree and total duration of motor blockade as compared to bupivacaine. Ropivacaine was more hemodynamically stable as compared to bupivacaine. Both the sensory and motor blocks were subject to a more rapid recovery with ropivacaine compared with bupivacaine. Hyperbaric ropivacaine was not associated with any side effects intra and postoperatively. Conclusion: 3 ml of hyperbaric solution of ropivacaine 0.5% with glucose 8.33% can produce predictable and reliable spinal anaesthesia for a wide range of surgical procedure.