Comparison of isobaric Ropivacaine and Levobupivacaine in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia

This study was performed to compare the anesthetic efficacy and safety of two local anesthetic agents ropivacaine and levobupivacaine, in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery. Thirty patients, ASA I-II  were randomized to receive an intrathecal injection of either of two local anesthetic solutions. Group I (n = 15) received 3 ml of isobaric levobupivacaine 5 mg/ml (15 mg) whereas Group II (n = 15) received 3 ml of isobaric ropivacaine 5 mg/ml (15 mg). The onset and duration of sensory block at dermatome level T8, maximum upper spread of sensory block, time for 2-segment regression of sensory block as well as the onset, intensity and duration of motor block were recorded, as were any adverse effects. Levobupivacaine has a longer duration of sensory and motor block than ropivacaine. Peak sensory level achieved by both is same (T6-T8). No adverse events like nausea, vomiting, tremor, and decrease in oxygen saturation. Keywords : Ropivacaine, levobupivacaine, sensory, motor, intrathecal.