A comparison of Levobupivacaine and Bupivacaine in caudal anesthesia in children undergoing sub-umbilical operations

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Caudal epidural anesthesia is commonly performed in conjunction with general anesthesia. Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine are used in epidural blockade that provide anesthesia and analgesia intraoperative and post-operatively.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> To compare the intraoperative and postoperative efficacy and safety of Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine in children undergoing elective sub-umbilical operations under general and caudal anesthesia.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Randomized control trial done in Philippine Children's Medical Center. Sixty-one subjects aged 6-months -8 years old, ASA I-II, undergoing subumbilical operations were randomly grouped to receive Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine during anesthesia induction. Hemodynamic parameters, Bromage, and CHIPPS were recorded.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Results suggest both drugs have a significant effect in lowering heart rate and MAP. Bromage scores for patients from both groups are consistent at 0. The number of patients with a CHIPPS classification of 4-10, is significantly higher for bupivacaine group than levobupivacaine group.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Both Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine provide adequate analgesia intraoperatively with no reports of intraoperative movement, increased inhalational agent concentration and additional intravenous analgesics. Post-operatively, no adverse effects and motor block was noted however Levobupivacaine has a longer efficacy as it required lesser rescue does post-operatively compared to Bupivacaine. </p>