Comparison of efficacy and safety of intrathecal ropivacaine-fentanyl and bupivacaine-fentanyl in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries

Aim: A prospective randomized clinical study was conducted to study the efficacy and safety of isobaric 0.5% ropivacaine-fentanyl with isobaric 0.5% bupivacaine-fentanyl intrathecally for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Methods: 100 patients aged between 18 to 65 years were randomized into two groups, n = 50 in each group. Group A received 3 ml of (0.5%) isobaric ropivacaine (15mg) with 25µg fentanyl and Group B 3 ml of (0.5%) isobaric bupivacaine (15 mg) with 25µg fentanyl. Spinal anesthesia procedure was standardized. Haemodynamic parameters, onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, level achieved, regression and side effects were compared between the two groups. Results: Onset of motor and sensory blockade was 15.6±3.4 min and 13.6±4.8min respectively in patients of group A as compared to 17.3±4.6min and 15.5±4.87min respectively in patients of Group B. The duration of sensory and motor blockade 132.08±16.3mins and 159.7±18.36min respectively in group A patients as compared to 175.7±15.7min and 205.9±29.8min respectively in patients of Group B (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hence ropivacaine was safe and equally effective as bupivacaine in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries with early motor recovery and providing early ambulation.