Abstract

Background- Brachial plexus block utilizing ultrasound imaging has now become either adjuvant to general anesthesia (GA) or as a mainstay anesthesia modality. There are fewer studies comparing the effects of ropivacaine and levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. This prospective randomized study compared 0.5% Levobupivacaine and 0.5% Ropivacaine in patients undergoing forearm orthopaedic surgeries under Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block.
Materials and Methods - A total of 56 patients were enrolled and randomized into two groups of 28 patient each. Group R was given 30ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine and Group L was given 30 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine in supraclavicular block under ultra sound guidance. Parameters assessed were onset and duration of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, and any adverse events. After administration of block, the block characteristics were assessed every 5mins till onset of complete blockade, then hourly till the effect of block. Data between the groups were analysed using with SPSS 25.0 software.
Results:
The study shows that there was statistically significant difference in onset of sensory and motor block between Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine (7.54 mins ± 2.10 vs 8.55 mins ± 2.08) and (12.95 mins ± 2.30 vs 14.07 mins ± 2.22) respectively. The duration of analgesia was more in Levobupivacaine group (9.98 hours ± 4.88) as compared to Ropivacaine (8.03 hours ± 3.58).
Conclusion-The onset of action of sensory and motor was early with Levobupivacaine and can be a better choice when postoperative analgesia is prime concern. However, where faster recovery of motor function is required Ropivacaine is preferred choice.

Key words: Brachial plexus block, ropivacaine, levobupivacaine, supraclavicular brachial plexus block, ultrasound guidance.