A prospective randomized study comparing 0.5% isobaric solutions of levobupivacaine and ropivacaine with fentanyl as an adjuvant for subarachnoid block in patients undergoing elective lower limb surgery

In the present study we compared levobupivacaine with ropivacaine in order to determine the suitability of each drug for spinal anaesthesia. Aim: To compare levobupivacaine with ropivacaine with respect to onset, duration and regression of motor and sensory blockade. This prospective randomized double blinded study was conducted in 100 patients who were randomly assigned to one of the 2 study groups of 50 patients each. The first group was given 2.5 ml levobupivacaine with 0.5 ml fentanyl and second group was given 2.5 ml of ropivacaine with 0.5 ml of fentanyl for spinal anaesthesia. Statistical analysis: Observation obtained both the groups were recorded and tabulated. Analysis was carried out using student's t test, fischers exact test and chi- square test. Results: Levobupivacaine-fentanyl group had delayed onset of motor and sensory blockade. Ropivacaine-fentanyl group had faster onset and regression of motor and sensory blockade. Conclusion: Ropivacaine-fentanyl combination is a better option when compared to levobupivacaine – fentanyl combination for use in short surgical procedures due to its faster onset of action, early regression of blockade as well as higher success rate.