Comparison of 0.5% Ropivacaine and 0.5% Bupivacaine for Epidural Anaesthesia in Patients undergoing Lower Abdominal and Lower Extremity Surgery

BACKGROUND: Ropivacaine, a derivative of mepivacaine like its older counterpart Bupivacaine, has recently been introduced in Indian pharmacopeia. Ropivacaine is an amide local anaesthetic but less cardiotoxic than bupivacaine.OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effectiveness of ropivacaine versus bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower extremity and lower abdominal surgeriesMETHODS: 50 patients were randomized to receive 20ml of 0.5% ropivacaine or 0.5% bupivacaine through epidural catheter. Sensory (pinprick) and motor (bromage) measurements were made while the block was in effect, haemodynamic changes; use of additional analgesics and sedatives was noted.RESULTS: The quality and extent of sensory and motor blockade between the two groups was comparable, although bupivacaine was found to be slightly longer acting. Both had similar motor blocking characteristics, with the exception that bupivacaine had a blockade of slightly longer duration but statistically not significant(p>0.05).CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine being lesser cardio toxic is the preferred agent for clinical epidural anaesthesia. JMS 2011;14(1):15-18