Efficacy of Epidural Bupivacaine Versus Ropivacaine in Abdominal Hysterectomy Cases

Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of epidural Ropivacaine with Bupivacaine for anesthesia in abdominal hysterectomy cases with respect to the onset of sensory and motor blockade, degree of motor block, duration of motor blockade, duration of sensory analgesia.Materials and Methods: After taking written informed consent, 60 patients aged between 18 to 60 years posted for elective abdominal hysterectomy surgeries were selected.They were randomly divided into 2 groups with 30 patients in each group.Study group R received 15 ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine (isobaric) by the epidural route.Study group B -received 15 ml of 0. 5% Bupivacaine (isobaric) by the epidural route. The onset of sensory blockade, the onset of motor blockade, highest level of sensory blockade, degree of motor block was evaluated. Results: There is no difference in the onset of sensory and motor block between 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.5% ropivacaine when administered through the epidural route. The duration of motor blockade in group R was significantly lower than the group B. Conclusion:It can be concluded that isobaric 0.5% Ropivacaine, when administered through the epidural route, provides adequate anaesthesia for abdominal hysterectomy surgeries and 0.5% Ropivacaine has a shorter duration of motor blockade when compared with 0.5% Bupivacaine.