Abstract

To compare 20 ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine (isobaric) and 20 ml 0.5% Bupivacaine (isobaric) for epidural anaesthesia in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 60 patients. The study subjects were aged between 18-60 years, belonging to ASA I and II and were undergoing elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Study group R- received 20ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine (isobaric) by epidural route. Study group B- received 20ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine (isobaric) by epidural route. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to the time and onset of sensory and motor block (p>0.05).There was no difference in the highest level of sensory block achieved in both groups. The degree of motor blockade assessed by modified Bromage scale was similar in both groups (grade-3). The mean duration of motor block in Ropivacaine group was 243.6 ± 21.6 minutes, whereas in Bupivacaine group it was 285.3 ± 21.3 minutes. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001) indicating faster recovery from motor blockade in Ropivacaine group. The mean duration of sensory analgesia in Ropivacaine group was 387.4 ± 15.4 minutes. In Bupivacaine group the mean duration was 390.3 ± 14.2 minutes. The difference between the two groups was not significant. The changes in heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate at any time interval between the two groups were statistically not significant. Both Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine groups did not exhibit significant side effects

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