Comparative efficacy and safety of intrathecal ropivacaine versus intrathecal bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgical procedures

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intrathecal ropivacaine versus intrathecal bupivacaine as anesthetic agents in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, patients (n = 60) were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group R (n = 30) received intrathecal ropivacaine 0.75%, 3 ml (isobaric), whereas Group B (n = 30) received intrathecal bupivacaine 0.5%, 3 ml (isobaric). The two study groups were compared with respect to onset, duration, and level of sensory block. The time for the onset of motor block, total duration of motor block, and postoperative side effects were also recorded. Statistical Analysis: Quantitative data and categorical data were analyzed using t-test and Chi-square test, respectively. P 0.05) and level (7.38 vs. 8.14 min; P > 0.05) of sensory block achieved were found to be similar to both the drugs. The duration of sensory block was comparable in both the study groups (321.72 vs. 301.45 min; P > 0.05), whereas the duration of motor block was significantly shorter with ropivacaine than bupivacaine (214.5 vs. 283.36 min; P