Comparison of epidural levobupivacaine and bupivacaine in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries

• Published in: Bali journal of anesthesiology Vol. 4; no. 3; pp. 95 - 98
• Main Authors: Prakash, Jay, Prabhu, J, Kharwar, Ramesh, Priye, Shio, Singh, Dipali, Saran, Khushboo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.07.2020; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: epidural; levobupivacaine; motor blockade; sensory blockade; sensory blockade; Epidural; motor blockade; levobupivacaine
• ISSN: 2549-2276; 2549-2276
• DOI: 10.4103/BJOA.BJOA_21_20

Background: Bupivacaine, the most commonly used drug for a central neuraxial blockade, also carries undesirable effects like a prolonged postoperative motor blockade. The objective of the study was to compare the intensity of sensory and motor blockade, hemodynamic effects, and adverse effects, if any, between the two drugs. Patients and Methods: A randomized, double-blind study was carried out on 100 patients. Patients were divided into two groups of 50 patients each. Group L received 20 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine epidurally, and Group B received 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine epidurally. We observed the characteristics of the sensory and motor blockade in both groups. Results: The hemodynamic effects of both drugs were statistically and clinically comparable. The total duration of the sensory blockade with levobupivacaine was 366.60 ± 29.25 min compared to 370.80 ± 37.73 min with bupivacaine (P = 0.535). The total duration of the motor blockade with levobupivacaine was 139.20 ± 27.15 min compared to 172.80 ± 26.77 min (P < 0.001) with bupivacaine. Conclusion: Levobupivacaine produces shorter motor blockade, which may provide early ambulation of patients in day care surgeries. In surgical procedures requiring extensive motor blockade, epidural levobupivacaine may not be an appropriate choice.