Annals of Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Central neuraxial blocks are the preferred technique for anesthesia for lower segment caesarean section. Local anesthesia drugs have been routinely used for spinal anesthesia to compare various block characteristics and hemodynamic changes in patients undergoing lower segment caesarean section using hyperbaric bupivacaine and isobaric levobupivacaine.

Methods: After Institutional ethical committee approval, 100 patients scheduled for elective lower segment caesarean section were randomized into Group L and Group B. Group L (N = 50) received 2.5mL(12.5mg)0.5% isobaric levo-bupivacaine and Group B (N = 50) received 2.5 mL (12.5 mg) 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine as intra-thecal drugs for spinal anesthesia. The present study was conducted in Operation theaters and the Post-operative ward of LLRM medical college, Meerut. Difference in characteristics of onset of block, regression of block, hemodynamic profile, and side effects were recorded between groups.

Results: Group L, in comparison to Group B, showed prolonged duration of sensory block (P = 0.01) with lesser duration of motor block (P = 0.0002). Hemodynamically hypotension was statistically significant in the bupivacaine group (P = 0.016).

Conclusions: The current study validates that both isobaric levo-bupivacaine and hyperbaric bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia provide effective surgical anesthesia for lower segment caesarean section. Levo-bupivacaine can be a better alternative to bupivacaine in terms of reduced motor block time and a longer sensory block time with lesser incidence of hypotension and better hemodynamic stability.