Comparative study of 0.375% bupivacaine and 0.375% ropivacaine in brachial plexus block via supraclavicular approach

Objectives: To compare the effect of 35 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine and 35 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Materials and Methods: In this prospective double blind study, sixty patients of ASA- I and II scheduled for upper limb orthopedic surgeries were randomly divided into Group B and Group R which received 35 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine and 0.375% ropivacaine respectively. Sensory and motor block onset& duration and duration of analgesia were evaluated statistically using unpaired t-test and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The sensory and motor onset (mean-minutes) was 21.13 and 25.87 in group Band was 13.3 and 21.37 in group R respectively. The duration of sensory and motor block (mean- minutes) was 480.3 and 472.8 in group R, and 472.1 and460.2 in group B The duration of post-operative analgesia was 504.2 minutes in Group R and 499.6 minutes in Group B. Conclusion: Group R provided statistically significant & rapid onset of sensory and motor blockade than Group B for upper limb surgeries. There were no significant differences in duration of sensory and motor blockade, any complication or side effects. Ropivacaine may be a preferred option because of its higher therapeutic index.