Caudal Ropivacaine Versus Bupivacaine For Paediatric Day-case Circumcision Procedures

Background Ropivacaine is an aminoamide local anaesthetic allegedly characterised by less motor blockade, less neuro/cardiotoxicity but similar analgesic properties when compared with bupivacaine. Aim This study was designed to compare the quality of caudal analgesia and incidence of motor blockade produced by ropivacaine versus bupivacaine in paediatric patients scheduled for elective circumcision in the ambulatory setting. Methods A total of 112 patients, aged between 5 to 12 years were randomly allocated to receive 0.5 ml.kg-1 of either caudal 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.2% bupivacaine through the caudal route following induction of general anaesthesia. Postoperative pain and motor blockade scores were assessed by a blinded investigator using the the visual analogue and modified Bromage scales respectively. Results There were no significant differences in pain intensity and degree of motor blockade between the two groups upon awakening from anaesthesia, and 1and 2 hours post-caudal injection. The times to unsupported ambulation and discharge were also similar for both groups. Page 1 of 7 8/7/2006 file://C:\DOCUME~1\MED_CI~1.KFC\LOCALS~1\Temp\triHIKCI.htm