Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine in spinal  naesthesia in children for infraumblical surgeries as regional anaesthesia in children and ambulatory setup is gaining popularity.

Materials and Methods: This is a randomized controlled study involving 60 children of age between 7 and 12 years posted for elective infraumblical surgeries under spinal anaeshesia. They are allotted into two groups, Group R receiving 0.5% ropivacaine and Group B receiving 0.5% bupivcaine. The onset of sensory block, maximum height of sensory block, time taken to reach the maximum height of sensory block, two segment regression time, onset of motor block, mean duration of sensory & motor block and quality of block were noted. The  hemodynamic parameters noted are pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation with pulse oximeters.
Statistical Analysis used: Chi- Square test.

Results: There was significant delay in onset of sensory and motor block in ropivacaine group. There was earlier two segment regression time, earlier offset of sensory and motor block and time taken for micturition was earlier in ropivacaine group. The quality of block was adequate in both groups. The hemodynamic parameters were well  maintained in both groups.

Conclusion: Ropivacaine provides a good alternative to bupivacaine in case of short duration of surgeries. It is more suitable in cases of ambulatory surgeries where the patients meet the discharge criteria earlier and can be discharged from the hospital.