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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijaa.2349.8471.5418.3

Abstract

Background: Regional anesthesia is comparatively safer than general anesthesia. Regional anesthesia can be safely used in outpatient anesthesia, patients with full stomach, diabetic patients, associated cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic or renal damage and polytrauma. Bupivacaineroutinely used has side effects relatedto cardiovascular and central nervous system. Ropivacaine a recent addition has the ability to produce differential blockade with less motor blockade and reduce cardiovascular and neurological toxicity. Ultrasound imaging has increased the success rate and has helped in reducing the complications as it gives real time visual image. 

Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized single blinded study was undertaken in patients posted for upper limb surgeries under Supraclavicular block under ultrasound guidance. 60 patients of ASA class I and II were randomly grouped into two groups. Group R will receive 30ml Ropivacaine 0.375% and Group B will receive 30ml of Bupivacaine 0.375% in supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. Onset of motor and sensory blockade, duration of motor, sensory blockade and duration of postoperative analgesia were studied. Hemodynamic changes over time were recorded.

Results: Group R patients had earlier onset of sensory and motor block compared to Group B patients. There was no difference in duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia between both the groups.

Conclusion: Ropivacaine is a safer alternative to Bupivacaine with earlier onset of both sensory and motor block and if used along with ultrasound guidance has a higher success rate and lowers the incidence of complications

 

Keywords : Brachial Plexus; Bupivacaine; Ropivacaine; Ultrasound. 

Corresponding Author : Abdul Rahman, Post Graduate, Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry 605102, India.