Ropivacaine 0.2% versus Bupivacaine 0.25% in para-umbilical block in children.

BACKGROUND: Para-umbilical block was an old block that regains a new interest. No study was available using Ropivacaine in this block. AIM: To compare quality of analgesia after using Ropivacaine 0.2% to Bupivacaine 0.25% in para-umbilical blocks. METHODS: In a prospective randomized double blind study we included one to six years old children, scheduled for umbilical herniorrhaphy. The children were randomized in two groups to receive in para-umbilical block by side: Ropivacaine 0.2%: 0.2 ml.kg-1 (group GR) or Bupivacaine 0.25%: 0.2 ml.kg-1 (group GB). RESULTS: The data of 75 children (GR= 38; GB= 37) were analyzed. The groups were comparable regarding the demographics' characters. The scores of Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale in different postoperative times were comparable between the two groups. No difference was noted in the time of the first analgesic request. The two groups were comparable regarding the peroperative analgesia. No complication was recorded in this study. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine 0.2% is equivalent to the Bupivacaine 0.25% concerning postoperative and peroperative analgesia in the para-umbilical block for umbilical herniorrhaphy.