A Prospective Comparative Observational Study of Clinical Efficacy of Isobaric Ropivacaine 0.75% with of Isobaric Bupivacaine 0.5% Intrathecally in Elective Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgeries.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal isobaric Ropivacaine and its comparison with intrathecal isobaric Bupivacaine in elective inguinal hernia repair surgeries.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital with 80 patients of ASA grade I-III undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair surgery under spinal anaesthesia. Ethical committee clearance and written consent taken. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups to the Ropivicaine group (Group R) and to theBupivicaine group (Group B). Parameters observed were onset and duration of sensory and motor block, maximum sensory level achieved degree of motor blockade, two segment regression, and haemodynamic changes.

RESULTS: The development of sensory block was faster with Isobaric Ropivicaine (12.1 ± 4.9 minutes) as than isobaric Bupivicaine (13.94 ± 4.52 minutes) but the difference was not statistically significant. Onset of Grade III Motor block was longer with Isobaric Ropivicaine (8.51 ± 3.39 minutes) as compared to isobaric Bupivicaine (8.51 ± 3.39 minutes), but the difference was not statistically significant. Time of Complete Sensory Regression was significantly shorter with Isobaric Ropivicaine (212.69 ± 27.31 minutes) with statistical significance. Time to complete motor recovery was significantly shorter in Ropivacaine group (253.38 ± 27.13 minutes)as compared to Bupivacaine group (258.55 ± 35.81min), with statistical significance. Time to achieve discharge criteria was relatively shorter with Isobaric Ropivicaine. Haemodynamic Parameters did not differ significantly in both the groups during the entire study period.

CONCLUSION: Intrathecal administration of isobaric Ropivacaine (0.75%) 15 mg provides similar quality of spinal anaesthesia but of significantly shorter duration, maintaining similar hemodynamic stability and discharge criteria without significant adverse effects when compared to isobaric Bupivicaine (0.5%) 10 mg.