ABSTRACT
Background: Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine have been extensively studied &their properties with respect to onset, duration and quality of block. This study aims to detect whether addition of clonidine to both of them changes their properties. This study also aims to use lower than usual dosages for both the local anesthetics to prevent adverse effects of local anesthetics.Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, the study was carried out on patients undergoing elective upper limb surgeries. They were randomly divided into two Groups: Group B and Group R. The onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and other parameters were assessed.Results: The onset of blockade, both sensory & motor was earlier in Ropivacaine as compared to Bupivacaine group. Mean duration of blockade, both sensory & motor, was more in the Bupivacaine group. Conclusions: Addition of Clonidine enabled the use of low concentrations (0.25%) of both the anesthetics. Also, Ropivacaine (0.25%) has faster onset of sensory and motor blockade, shorter duration of action and less motor blockade compared to Bupivacaine.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine are the two mostfrequently used local anesthetics for brachial plexus blocks.There are many studies comparing the onset, duration andrecovery of the patient after the anesthesia, but not manyof these studies focus on the quality of anesthesia in termsof requirement of additional anesthesia intraoperatively.Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of anesthesiaprovided by the reduced concentration of both the anestheticagents.Material and Method: The study was carried out on patientsin the age group of 18 to 60 years with ASA grade I and II,undergoing elective operative procedures for upper limbsurgeries (i.e. elbow, forearm and hand surgeries). They wererandomly divided in Group I (Bupivacaine) and Group II(Ropivacaine). The quality of anesthesia was assessed.Results: While only 9 patients in Group II required additionalanesthesia (1 case: general anesthesia), 20 patients in GroupI required additional anesthesia (5 cases: general anesthesia).Rest all the parameters were comparable.Conclusion: Both the drugs provided effective anesthesia inlow concentrations. However, the quality of anesthesia wasbetter with Ropivacaine compared to Bupivacaine.