ABSTRACT
Background And Aim: Ropivacaine being comparatively less cardiotoxic and neurotoxic than bupivacaine, it also produces minimal motor blockade of shorter duration when used in spinal anaesthesia. This study was aimed to compare the intrathecal 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine for caesarean delivery with 0.5% bupivacaine heavy in pregnant patients. Method: 100 parturient belonging to ASA grade I & II scheduled for elective caesarean section were randomly selected for the study and are divided into two groups of 50 each. Group B patients received 2ml of 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine intrathecally. Group R patients received 2ml of 0.75% isobaric Ropivacaine intrathecally. Onset and duration of sensory block, onset and duration of motor block, highest level of sensory block, quality of anaesthesia, and time of request for analgesia, hemodynamic parameters and adverse effects if any were studied. Results: Baseline demographic variables were similar in two groups. Neonatal outcome were also similar in two groups. Onset of sensory block at T8, time to request for analgesia, total duration of analgesia was comparable in both groups. Mean highest level of sensory block in both groups was T5 but in group R having slightly higher range (T3-T6) as compare to group B (T4-T6). Regression of sensory block at L1, duration of motor block was shorter but having longer onset of motor block in Group R as compare to group B. Conclusion: Ropivacaine 15 mg (2 ml of 0.75% isobaric Ropivacaine) provides comparable quality of sensory block but has slower onset and significantly shorter duration of motor block compared to bupivacaine.