Inj. Bupivacaine 0.5% and Inj. Ropivacaine 0.5% for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

What is it about?

Inj. Bupivacaine 0.5% and Inj. Ropivacaine 0.5% for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

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Photo by Nappy on Unsplash

Photo by Nappy on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Context: Bupivacaine is a commonly used local anesthetic in peripheral nerve blocks. Ropivacaine is a newer local anesthetic and has better safety profile. The study was done to compare the two drugs. Aims: To compare the effects of Inj. Bupivacaine 0.5% and Inj. Ropivacaine 0.5% as local anesthetic for supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopedic surgeries. Study design: Randomized comparative study. Methods: The study was done at a medical college hospital. The patients included in the study were randomized into two groups (Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine) and were given 30 ml of respective drug under ultrasound guidance. The drugs were compared in terms of time taken for onset of action, duration of sensory and motor block, side effects. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test and student’s t-test. Results: The time taken for onset of sensory block was less with Bupivacaine (16.6 + 3.2 min) than with Ropivacaine (19.9 + 4.0 min) (p=0.0001). The onset of motor block was earlier with Bupivacaine (21.4 + 2.6 min) in contrast to Ropivacaine (25.9 + 2.4 min) (p=0.001). The duration of sensory blockade (Bupivacaine– 343.8 + 44.4 min; Ropivacaine– 317.9 + 29.1 min) and motor blockade (Bupivacaine– 387.4 + 36.0 min; Ropivacaine– 368.7 + 33.1 min) was longer with Bupivacaine (p=0.003; p=0.019 respectively). There were no adverse effects in both the groups. Conclusion: At equal volumes, Bupivacaine has advantage over Ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

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